Jade Konkel says it means “everything” to her to represent her county as the build up to Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B opener with Wales intensifies.
The 31-year-old Harlequins back-row now has 71 caps to her name and sits ninth equal in the all-time appearance list for Scotland women.
She missed the warm-up Summer Tests with Italy and Ireland with a hamstring injury, but is on course to be available for the big game in Manchester this weekend.
And that would be a boost to Scotland as she leads from the front and brings a physicality to things that is different to other players.
“It’s just everything, it means everything to me to represent Scotland,” the player from the Black Isle who now balances her rugby with being a firefighter in London, said.
“I’ve always been so proud to represent Scotland. That’s never, ever faltered or changed.
“Everything I’ve done in my life has pretty much been tailored around playing for Scotland. It’s something that I’ve dedicated my entire life to, I’ve been in the set-up since I was 18.
“I like to think I’ve given absolutely everything while I’ve been in the set-up. For me, it’s always been about doing what I can to be the best player I can be and also to be the best team mate I can be.
“And, also, we have to enjoy it out there. We have all worked hard to get to this point and to represent your country at a World Cup so close to home is something special.
“My family are a very rugby-oriented family so I want to make them proud as well.”
The World Cup event runs from August 22 to September 27 and the Scotland pool matches are against Wales in Manchester on Saturday, Fiji in Manchester on August 30 and Canada in Exeter on September 6.
Scotland Women’s Rugby World Cup squad
Forwards: Leah Bartlett, Becky Boyd, Sarah Bonar, Elliann Clarke, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson, Evie Gallagher, Adelle Ferrie, Jade Konkel, Rachel Malcolm (C), Elis Martin, Rachel McLachlan, Molly Poolman, Lana Skeldon, Alex Stewart, Emma Wassell, Molly Wright, Anne Young.
Backs: Leia Brebner-Holden, Beth Blacklock, Rhea Clarke, Coreen Grant, Rhona Lloyd, Caity Mattinson, Francesca McGhie, Helen Nelson, Emma Orr, Hannah Ramsay, Chloe Rollie, Lisa Thomson, Hannah Walker, Evie Wills.
Jade Konkel is pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
From August 7 until September 30, GH Media will be following the Scotland World Cup journey all of the way. We will be at all of the Scotland matches down south and will be bringing you all of the interviews and news from camp as well as taking a wider look at the tournament as a whole and its impact on the women’s game. Thanks to Quirky Chocolate and other supporters for allowing this content to happen and to readers for engaging with it.