About this episode
Playing through a game while her dad was on the other side of the world after being rushed to hospital was one of the hardest experiences Alex Matthews has ever faced on a rugby pitch. The double World Cup winner reveals how she fought back tears at scrum time after learning a tumour had been found on her father’s spinal cord.
The Gloucester-Hartpury back-row also discusses life in camp as an introvert, how her natural instinct to care for others led her into a brief role in caregiving, and why she still finds it difficult to fully comprehend her position as a leader within the Red Roses.
In this podcast you will also hear from Alex's dad Dave, mum Vanessa, one of her first rugby coaches Bob Jones, as well as team mates Mo Hunt and Emma Sing.
This podcast was recorded in January 2026.
FOLLOW:
▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/
▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/
▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/
▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/
▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby
▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby
▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/
▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...
MORE:
💻 https://www.englandrugby.com/
🛒 https://www.englandrugbystore.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get every episode summarized
Each time England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
