Emma Wassell is on the comeback trail after a traumatic absence Guinness Women's Six Nations: Scotland v Ireland Venue:Hive Stadium, EdinburghDate:Saturday, 26 AprilKick-off:14:30 BST Coverage:Watch live on BBC Scotland, iPlayer & online, follow live text and watch video highlights on BBC Sport website & app On the face of it, it's not the most exhilarating of news stories - rugby player returns to training, now hitting tackle bags - but in Emma Wassell's case it's as close to a sporting miracle as you are likely to get. To recap the story of the 30-year-old, 67-time capped Scotland lock - last September a tumour (mercifully, benign) was discovered in her chest, then there was a bleed on the tumour, then the first surgery to remove part of the tumour, then a second surgery to remove the rest, a procedure that involved the collapsing of a lung. She wanted to call out for her mum but Pauline had died suddenly earlier in the year. Whenever you hear the phrase 'rugby family' being used in the parlance of the game, the temptation is to brand it a cliche but in Wassell's case, it's not. Her team-mates rallied around her in and out of hospital like a gang of protective sisters. And now here she is at Murrayfield, the picture of health and talking about the comeback, which she hopes will happen before the World Cup in England in August. "The health is very good," the second row said on the BBC's Scotland Rugby Podcast. "I've been running for four weeks now. I'm able to hit bags and hit the deck. I feel ready to keep pushing on. Mentally, I was worried about how I was going to feel doing contact but I'm ready to get stuck in. "The last thing that really needs to be ticked off is bone-on-bone contact, which we might trickle into very, very soon. We're honestly a few weeks short of playing. I tried very hard to push for the Ireland match [on Saturday] but there was no need to risk it. Focus on the World Cup. There's so much to play for and I'm just so excited." 23/04/25 She was only 29 when all of this was happening. Her energy and positivity, her absolute love of the game and her appreciation of what it's given her, is a sight to behold. "Everyone's like, 'How did you get through?' I do believe everyone would be the same," she explains. "You don't have a choice. When it's happening to you, you have no choice other than to get through it. "I'm in a fortunate position. I have so much to fight for. For me, a huge motivator is playing for Scotland. "The surgeon heard it many times. When I got told I was going to need a sternotomy, I went, 'I'll be able to play rugby again, right?' They're like, 'Just be grateful you're alive'. Yes, I had a very serious operation but I believe I've been really lucky in this whole situation. I don't know how you get through it, but you do. "I always had this bigger picture of, 'I have been given this shot again to be able to play again', which I thought at one point was going to be taken away. There was a point where I thought I might never play rugby again. That's what broke me." This video can not be played 'It's been a whirlwind!' - Wassell on tumour recovery and World Cup hopes Getting the boots on again was the driving force. There's no naivety here. She knows there's still a distance to travel between getting well and getting back in the Test arena. She doesn't just want to come back, she wants to come back as a better version of her old self. That alone will be a challenge. Wassell played 54 consecutive games for Scotland at her peak. "Hopefully this thing has given me a few extra years," she laughs. "Sometimes you cannot control your health but everything I've been able to control, I believe I've done. The goal is no sweeter than a World Cup, is it? That's the ultimate. Some of the girls have given me a bit of stick. 'You're just wrapping yourself in cotton wool to get there!'" The details of her treatment is the stuff of nightmares. "The scariest bit was when I didn't know what it was and they didn't know how they were going to operate so I obviously had to get all these biopsies," she explains. "They initially went through my neck to get the biopsy and they couldn't get enough cells so then they had to go through my ribcage to get under my sternum to get into the main part of the tumour to get enough cells to be able to get a biopsy. "When you're going through the rib to make sure that you don't cause any damage, you have to collapse a lung to get there. When I woke up after these biopsies, I would say that was one of the hardest moments. My body was in all sorts of pain. I couldn't understand why I couldn't breathe properly, I had chest drains in which were extremely sore and I was in the high dependency ward in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. "There were a lot of very, very sick people in there and that was when I was scared. I'm almost crying out for... well... I didn't have my mum there. She was a ray of sunshine in a room, a typically embarrassing proud mum. She was always watching me play. Honestly, with binoculars, couldn't bloody see a thing. Didn't know the rules. Didn't matter. She was there, a constant. "A lot of the reason why I wear a headband was so she could spot me. It was hard enough telling my brother about being sick because I didn't want to put him through that. I would have hated putting my mum through it." Enter the Scotland team as auxiliary nurses. "I live my life with a lot of humour so even when I am lying in my hospital bed with tubes coming out of me, please crack a joke," she says. "And they did and sometimes I would crack the joke and they'd be like, 'Can we laugh? We don't know'. We've been through a hell of a lot. It's not just me. We've been through a huge journey together." Wassell joked with them that she'd be back in time for the Ireland game and the reaction was hilarious. Don't even think about it, was the hysterical gist. They weren't emotionally ready for her return. They wouldn't be able to cope. So, a warm-up game ahead of the World Cup is the hope and the plan. No matter where it is and no matter who it's against, it will be special. The thought of it got her through the most awful time in her life and it feels more real now than at any point since illness got her. If she keeps the tears at bay that day, she might be the only one.
Wassell 'has so much to fight for' after tumour scare
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Emma Wassell on the Road to Recovery After Tumor Treatment"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Wassell, a 30-year-old rugby player with 67 caps for Scotland, is on the path to recovery after facing a serious health scare involving a benign tumor in her chest. Last September, Wassell underwent multiple surgeries to address the tumor, including one that required the collapsing of a lung. This challenging period was compounded by the loss of her mother earlier that year, leaving her without a key source of support during her recovery. However, Wassell found solace and strength in her teammates, who rallied around her like a supportive family. Now, as she resumes training, Wassell is optimistic about her return to the game, aiming to participate in the upcoming World Cup in England. She expressed confidence in her health and fitness, stating that she has been running and is ready to engage in contact training soon. Despite her eagerness to return to the field, Wassell is prioritizing her long-term health and has decided to wait for the right moment to make her comeback.
Wassell reflects on her journey with a sense of gratitude, emphasizing that her desire to play for Scotland has been a significant motivator during her recovery. She acknowledges the challenges she faced, including the fear and pain associated with her medical procedures, but remains hopeful about the future. Wassell's experience has reshaped her perspective on the sport and life, instilling in her a deeper appreciation for the opportunity to play rugby again. She has set her sights on not just returning to the game but returning as an improved player. Looking ahead, Wassell is excited about the prospect of a warm-up match before the World Cup, which she believes will be a momentous occasion. Her journey exemplifies resilience, highlighting the importance of community support and the mental fortitude required to overcome adversity in sports and life.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the inspiring comeback story of Emma Wassell, a rugby player who has overcome significant health challenges after being diagnosed with a benign tumor. This narrative not only sheds light on Wassell's personal journey but also emphasizes the broader themes of resilience and support within the sports community.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim behind this article is to showcase Wassell’s recovery and determination to return to rugby, tapping into themes of hope and perseverance. By focusing on her challenges and the support from her teammates, the article seeks to inspire readers and promote a sense of unity within the rugby community.
Public Perception
The piece is likely designed to evoke admiration and empathy from the audience. It highlights the notion of the "rugby family," which serves to reinforce positive perceptions of camaraderie and support in sports. This narrative can enhance public interest in women's rugby, especially in the lead-up to major events like the World Cup.
Omissions and Hidden Aspects
While the article focuses on Wassell’s comeback, it may downplay broader issues such as the pressures athletes face regarding health and performance. It could also be seen as a way to divert attention from potential systemic challenges within women's sports, such as funding and visibility.
Manipulative Potential
This article carries a low level of manipulativeness as it primarily shares a personal story of triumph rather than a controversial or divisive narrative. However, it could be argued that by framing Wassell's journey as a 'miracle', it might unintentionally set unrealistic expectations for other athletes facing health issues.
Truthfulness of the Content
The information presented appears to be factual, with a focus on Wassell’s documented health challenges and her training progress. Interviews and statements from Wassell lend credibility to the narrative, suggesting that the article is a reliable account of her experiences.
Societal Messaging
The article conveys a message of resilience and hope, promoting the idea that personal struggles can be overcome with determination and support. It emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports, particularly in terms of returning to competitive environments.
Connections to Other News
This story may resonate with other narratives in sports, particularly those highlighting athletes overcoming adversity. It aligns with broader themes of health awareness, mental fortitude, and the significance of community support in sports.
Impact on Communities
The article is likely to resonate with sports enthusiasts, particularly those involved in rugby or women's sports. It may inspire support for female athletes and increase interest in women’s rugby, particularly in Scotland.
Market Influence
While this article may not directly influence stock markets, it could positively affect the sponsorship and funding landscape for women’s sports, creating a ripple effect in terms of investment in female athletic programs.
Global Context
Though the story is localized, it contributes to a global dialogue about health, resilience, and the representation of women in sports. It reflects contemporary values of empowerment and support, relevant to various social movements advocating for women's rights and health awareness.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in the drafting or editing process of this article, particularly in generating engaging narratives or ensuring clarity. However, the personal tone and emotional depth suggest that human editorial input was significant.
Overall, the article effectively conveys a message of hope and determination, celebrating Wassell’s journey while subtly encouraging support for women in sports. The narrative is uplifting, grounded in genuine experiences, and promotes a positive image of the rugby community.