Emma Wassell’s Scotland team mates and the wider rugby community have pledged their support to the popular character as she goes through treatment to deal with and remove a tumour in her chest.
Since the news broke on Tuesday evening that the 29-year-old second-row would be missing out on the upcoming WXV 2 title defence in South Africa as she deals with the medical issue, hundreds and hundreds of people have been sending her messages to show her that they are all here for her at this time.
Via social media Jade Konkel, the Scotland back-rower, said “we have got you always”, Scotland hooker Lana Skeldon said to the 67-capper “you are the strongest and bravest person I know” while international scrum-half Jenny Maxwell, who is not in the WXV 2 squad but until recently played with Wassell at the Loughborough Lightning club, said “you are the strongest warrior I know in every sense of the word – we are right there with you”.
Lightning put out a statement and head coach Nathan Smith said: “Everyone at Loughborough Lightning rugby sends our love and support to Wass after what has been a very challenging period for her.
“She has the full support of myself, programme and Loughborough University to support her recovery.
“Anybody that knows Wass knows how tough and resolute she is, we are confident she will make a full recovery and we all look forward to the day she is back in a Loughborough Lightning rugby shirt.”
Continuing the messages from Scotland team mates, winger Rhona Lloyd said “the strongest laoch [hero/warrior] there is” and full-back Chloe Rollie said “Our wee Wass being the bravest yet again”.
Lisa Thomson, the centre, said “love you, you are amazing”.
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said “thinking of you Emma – you’ve got this” and the people behind the Guinness Women’s Six Nations said “sending you lots of love”
Meanwhile, Wassell herself has revealed how, at the end of Scotland’s four week pre-season training block which ended at the end of August, she took herself off to A and E.
“The same day as I did my last running session of our pre-season block, I took myself to A and E with pain that I thought was sourdough stuck in my throat – a true story,” she said on social media.
“Unfortunately, that evening I was told I had a tumour in my chest. The word rollercoaster doesn’t even come close to the last couple of weeks, but I will thank my lucky stars I am feeling better and on the way up.
“Five CT scans, two X-rays, one MRI, one needle biopsy, one surgical biopsy, six kgs lost and 13 days in hospital to be released just in time to watch the girls get a big win at home [last Friday versus Wales].
“Heart rate to be kept low, but my spirit still remains high”.
Wassell, who began playing the game at Ellon and once played 54 Tests in a row, missed two matches during the Six Nations earlier in the year after her mother Pauline sadly passed away.
On this latest news, Wassell added: “Unfortunately, rugby has now been put on hold for a while as I will get surgery to remove the tumour, but I will be doing everything I can to return in 2025.
“To miss another opportunity to be back playing in blue has been a really tough one to take, especially after my year, but that truly is a testament to the team we have built.
“I honestly don’t have the words right now to describe the support I’ve had during this time, but I am beyond blessed with the incredible people I have in my life.
“Mum left me in good hands and I will forever be grateful to every single one of you who made sure I never felt alone in any of this.”
The matchday squad to take on Fiji on Saturday will be confirmed on Thursday while Louise McMillan has replaced Wassell in the 30-strong WXV 2 squad which is due to depart for Cape Town next week.
Scotland women’s updated squad for the Vodafone Series and WXV 2 (uncapped in bold)
Forwards
Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers)
Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning)
Sarah Bonar (Harlequins)
Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears)
Lisa Cockburn (Gloucester Hartpury)
Eva Donaldson (Leicester Tigers)
Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears)
Jade Konkel (Harlequins)
Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough Lightning)
Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning)
Fiona McIntosh (Saracens)
Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier)
Louise McMillan (Saracens)
Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears)
Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)
Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)
Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning)
Backs
Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester-Hartpury/Cheltenham Tigers)
Coreen Grant (Saracens)
Caity Mattinson (Ealing Trailfinders)
Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs)
Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers)
Rhona Lloyd (GB 7s/ Stade Bordelais)
Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning)
Emma Orr (Bristol Bears)
Rachel Philipps (Sale Sharks)
Lisa Thomson (GB 7s/Ealing Trailfinders)
Chloe Rollie (Ealing Trailfinders)
Lucia Scott (Hartpury University/Gloucester Hartpury)
Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears)
Emma Wassell is pictured from her Instagram
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