International fire still burns for Jade

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Scotland's Jade Konkel in action during an Autumn Test match between Scotland Women and Fiji at Hive Stadium, on September 14, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Back in the international fold after missing the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations through injury, the Harlequin was back for the recent Vodafone Series, is excited to don the dark blue as if it were her first involvement with a national camp.

As she puts it: “You never know when your last game is going to be, that’s the nature of the sport. So any time you’re selected for a training session or a match, you have to really embrace it because it’s a special thing. When you get the opportunity, you have to take it with both arms; we’re in a fortunate position to be able to play for your country, and every second truly does count.

“I’m still just as eager as I was for my first cap and I think that shows how special being in this environment with this team is.”

It’s an environment which has changed through the years, both in terms of the evolving professionalism of the women’s game and the influx of younger players, to whom Jade feels a responsibility for helping navigate the trials of international rugby.

“It’s was a tough four weeks of pre-season so far, but great to see so many younger players coming through as well. Everyone has been knuckling down, grinding and getting it done really.

“It definitely makes you feel older than you probably want to feel, the fact that they were born in the 2000s!”

Pictured: Jade Konkel started the recent win over Fiji at Hive Stadium.

“They’re so eager to learn, ask questions, they want to get better which is nice. But the game is constantly evolving so we’re definitely learning from them as well and their experiences coming through. The game is so broad, there are always things you can pick up off each other.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air and great to see another back row come in and make her mark on the game [regarding impressive flanker Alex Stewart].

Stewart is one of a tranche of youth making their presence felt on the international stage, and one of 27 players now under professional terms – a world away from when Jade herself one was announced, in 2016, as the first Scottish recipient of such a deal.

“We went through such a long phase of not being on the right side of the scoreboard and we had to learn a lot of resilience and tenacity through that, and I think that has allowed us to get to where we are now. It’s so special to know that the people coming through aren’t going to necessarily know what that was like,” she adds.

“Then it went from one player, to three and then a chunk, and now look how many professional contracts we have. People are putting their hand up and fighting for it, and players know that this is an option now for them.

Pictured: Jade during her international debut season, 2013.

“Over the last eight years, it’s grown beyond belief. In 2016 it was beyond belief, getting awarded that contract. To see where we are now, it’s pretty surreal but it’s also very deserving for each and every person.

“I’ve certainly given my all to Scottish rugby and I continue to do so. I love representing Scotland and everything that comes with that. To have been a small part in that; I like to use the phrase ‘first but not the last’ and [having the first professional contract] will always be a special part of my career.”

Few would bet against Jade marking a decade of Scotland duty when the time arrives but for now, a second Rugby World Cup experience would be just the ticket.