Erin King Eyes February Comeback After World Cup Setback

UPDATE: Erin King, the 2024 World Breakthrough Player of the Year, is gearing up for a comeback after suffering a devastating knee injury that sidelined her from the 2023 World Cup. The 22-year-old rugby star expressed her determination to return to the field by February 2024, just in time for the Six Nations tournament.

King, who played a pivotal role in helping Ireland secure World Cup qualification, faced a heartbreaking moment during the Six Nations in April when her injury struck. Watching her teammates compete in England was tough, but she found pride in presenting jerseys to them for the quarter-final against France alongside fellow injured player Dorothy Wall. “It was a great honour. To present the girls with their jersey for a World Cup quarter-final is something I never thought I would do,” King shared.

Now, as she navigates her recovery, King reports significant progress. “Things are going really well. I am finally back running and looking ahead to being back on the pitch for February,” she stated. The emotional journey through rehab has been challenging, filled with both dark days and moments of personal growth.

“I want to be better than I was before,” King emphasized, reflecting on her time away from the game. She sees the experience as an opportunity for self-improvement, saying, “It has given me a whole new perspective on how lucky I am.”

Looking ahead, King is energized by the prospect of playing in major stadiums, including Allianz Stadium for an upcoming match against England, which has already sold over 30,000 tickets. “Our game is only going from strength to strength,” she noted.

With her sights set on replicating the success of teams like Canada, King hopes to leverage the momentum from the World Cup to inspire growth in women’s rugby. “Imagine if those girls were professional rugby players. Their story shows just how great the game is and where it’s headed,” she remarked, reflecting on the incredible journey of the game.

As the rugby community eagerly anticipates her return, King remains focused on her recovery and the upcoming Six Nations. “I am sure I will look back in a few years’ time and be really thankful for having gone through this experience,” she concluded.

Stay tuned for updates on Erin King’s recovery and her anticipated return to the pitch, as the excitement for women’s rugby continues to build.