Rediscovering the Love for the Game

Rhona Lloyd, a prominent figure in Scottish rugby, has faced her share of challenges and heartbreaks. Her ultimate ambition was to represent Great Britain in the Olympics, a dream that seemed within reach until the harsh reality of selection set in. Missing out on both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics was a significant blow, but it has also been a period of profound personal growth and rediscovery for Lloyd.

A Journey of Self-Reflection

Lloyd's journey over the past year has been one of introspection and resilience. "It's been a really challenging 12 months," she shared on the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast. "My one goal in rugby was to go to the Olympics. Realizing last summer that that's not happening was really hard to come to terms with." This period of reflection has led Lloyd to reassess her identity and her relationship with the sport she loves.

Embracing a New Role

Despite the disappointment, Lloyd has found a renewed sense of purpose within the Scottish national team. Her teammates describe her as the heartbeat of the side, and her passion for representing Scotland is palpable. "This season, I've been on a huge learning curve in terms of falling in love with rugby again," Lloyd explained. "Realizing what I value on the pitch and what I value in my teammates has been transformative."

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

As Scotland prepares to face Wales in their opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup, Lloyd is focused on making the most of this opportunity. She believes this tournament will be "the biggest World Cup in women's rugby history" and sees it as a chance to inspire the next generation of players. "I really want to be the role model that I don't feel like I had growing up," Lloyd said. "Being that for somebody means so much more than as an individual going to the Olympics."

A Legacy Beyond the Game

At 28, Lloyd is aware that this could potentially be her last World Cup. She is determined to savor every moment and leave a lasting impact. "I've kind of really stripped back what I'm playing for, what makes me really proud, which is being Scottish and the girls I get to do it with," she said. Lloyd's journey is a testament to the resilience and passion that define the spirit of rugby.