The Fort Worth Press - England's Jones relishing 'special occasion' at Women's Rugby World Cup after tragic year

Jones, whose father Simon and mother Paula both died between August and December last year, has been named in hosts England's tournament bow against the United States in Sunderland on Friday.

The 28-year-old centre, now tournament favourites England's vice-captain, explaining how she had coped, said: "I think grief works in different ways. Those that have experienced grief, sometimes you're not always sad, sometimes you're happy and sometimes it doesn't hit you like that.

"It might hit me later or it might hit me in the moment."

Jones, who made her last World Cup appearance at the 2017 edition in Ireland, added: "As soon as I step on that pitch, all I think about is rugby. That's probably one of my strengths, I don't tend to think too far beyond that. I never really thought of my mum and dad when they were out supporting.

"I've always led with my heart, I'll always be passionate about what I do and that means now a little bit more firepower, I guess, behind me with my mum and dad.

"It's going to be special. Last World Cup my dad was with me in 2017, that was lovely and beautiful.

"It's just going to be another special occasion. It's going to be a lot of firsts, it's still only been a year since my dad hasn't been here.

"It's just a lot of emotions all in one, but they all come in different ways for sure."

Ilona Maher –- the world's most popular rugby player on social media with over eight million followers across her platforms –- will line up against Jones in the United States' midfield.

Jones, asked what it was like to play against the powerful Maher, replied: "I think physics would show that she's probably got a couple of inches on me and a couple of pounds as well.

"I think I've always lived by, it's not the size of the dog, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

"No matter who I come up against, no matter how many followers they've got –- she'll be thinking the same –- it's how you perform on the pitch, which is the most important bit.

"I always lead with passion and pride. That's what I'll continue to do in whatever game we go against and whoever we go against."

H.Carroll--TFWP