Natalia John: A Story of Resilience and New Beginnings

In the world of rugby, Natalia John stands as a symbol of unwavering resilience. The Welsh lock, with 35 international caps to her name, has faced a year of trials and tribulations that would make even the hardiest of athletes pause for thought. But Natalia, ever the embodiment of determination, is ready to fight back, both on and off the pitch.

In many ways, Natalia John’s journey mirrors the ups and downs of a thrilling rugby match. She’s experienced soaring highs, like holding her nephew, Morgan Ridler, in her arms before a tense Wales vs. England Six Nations clash in 2023. And she’s faced gut-wrenching lows, none more devastating than the loss of her three-year-old nephew, Morgan, to a rare form of cancer in June.

It’s often said that life can be a game of inches, and Natalia knows this better than most. Injuries, including a troublesome shoulder that hindered her Six Nations appearances and a calf injury that kept her from the new WXV1 tournament in New Zealand, have tested her mettle. The collapse of her club side, Worcester Warriors Women, in October added to her challenges.

But as Natalia John herself puts it, “It’s so important as a player to have something that drives you.” For her, that driving force is the memory of her nephew Morgan. She recalls how he, despite battling cancer, would rise in the middle of the night to watch his beloved ‘aunty Tal’ play in the Rugby World Cup. With that memory as her guiding light, Natalia is determined to achieve everything he cannot.

Now, she’s back on the rugby pitch, fully fit and raring to go. She’s been named in the Brython Thunder squad, one of Wales’ new Celtic Challenge teams, and they are set to take on Gwalia Lighting and teams from Ireland and Scotland. It’s a fresh start, and Natalia is embracing it with open arms.

As she contemplates her journey, she quips with a touch of humor, “I could get resilient tattooed across my forehead because everyone has been saying that word to me.” But for Natalia John, it’s about making new memories, enjoying the game she loves, and carrying the legacy of her nephew with her on the field.

Beyond the personal triumphs and challenges, the Celtic Challenge also offers Natalia and her former Worcester teammates, Alex Callender and Hannah Bluck, a chance to showcase their skills for potential new clubs. However, Natalia is in no hurry to rush into anything, savoring the convenience of training with Thunder, based at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli, just a stone’s throw from her home.

Reflecting on the journey ahead, Natalia emphasizes the importance of growing the league locally, so that future female rugby players won’t have to make the same sacrifices she once did. It’s a testament to her dedication not only to the game but also to the community that supports it.

Natalia John’s story is one of setbacks and comebacks, of heartache and hope. As she steps onto the rugby pitch once again, she carries with her the memory of a young nephew who defied odds and a spirit that refuses to be defeated. Natalia John is not just playing for herself; she’s playing for Morgan and the countless others who find inspiration in her journey of resilience.

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