The rugby playing NHS physio battling COVID-19 | Jo Brown

My Early Rugby Years

I am a 26 year old physiotherapist who is also a rugby player. I started my rugby carer at Glossop RUFC, playing for the boys U9’s team.  I didn’t really enjoy it much, I couldn’t really get into the amount of mud and contact involved.  Fortunately, I got another chance to try rugby when I was 13 and my dad helped set up the Glossop girls rugby team.  I went along because my dad wanted his daughters involved and my sister was more into sailing so rugby was left to me. I was pretty terrible when I first started, struggled with the basics like catching and tackling, but once it clicked, I was hooked!

I played every sport I could as a child.  My ADHD meant I was a bit of a handful so my parents actively encouraged participation in any activity which could tire me out even a little.  I think rugby was the one that stuck because I enjoyed how much there was to learn and improve on, meaning it was constantly changing and kept me interested. On top of this, I did enjoy the immense satisfaction of a big tackle and strong line break.

A lot of the girls I played with at Glossop also swam, ran and played multiple other sports meaning we spent quite a lot of time together. Despite this, it was only when we started to play rugby together than I felt I really got to know them. I was very lucky that the girls I played with made me feel like I could be myself, something that links all rugby teams I have ever played with and what makes the sport truly unique and difficult to step away from.

Sport wise, when I was younger I always wished to swim the channel (something which I am still determined I will do) so always have a keen interest in swimming when it’s on TV. My family also enjoy sailing holidays and I’m pretty good at pretending I know enough to participate. it’s also a pretty good rush hanging over the side of a boat knowing you’re at the mercy of the wind. I enjoy watching all sports really, anything which shows of athleticism and skill is enough to hook me.

Rugby Gets Serious

I began playing age grade rugby for Glossop and, after failing to get in once, managed to get into Regional U18s team. Looking back the first failure was also a blessing as it allowed then coach Howard Lycett, to point out the obvious, that I should move from winger to back row: so I did and made my way onto the team. I made my way through the pathway to the U20’s.

Teesside University was where I played and completed my undergraduate degree whilst playing on a Sunday for Mowden DMP Sharks. I was lucky enough to gain my first cap for England against Canada whilst at Northumbria University.  One year later I gained my second cap and participated in 2 games of that year’s 6 Nations Grand Slam year. I was also fortunate enough to be made a full-time rugby player for 8 months, playing against the Baa Baas at Twickenham, going on tour to San Diego with the team during this time.  I very much enjoyed my time as a professional rugby player and was sad when it ended.

For the last two years I have played for Loughborough Lightning.  Unfortunately, this time was marred with a long-term ankle injury, concussion and parasite in the eye which hospitalised me for 5 days, causing me to miss the first game of the season and play half blind for 3months (a bit of unfortunate timing really).

My NHS Work

I have worked for the NHS on and off since I graduated as a Physiotherapist in 2018.  The time I spent as a rugby player led to an 8 month gap and the nature of the Loughborough training calendar saw me take a zero hours contract with Derby Hospital. This meant I needed to be very flexible with where and when I work, which has come in handy during the current climate.  Prior to COVID-19 this meant I could pick my shift hours to try and work around training, fitting in skills and fitness as well. I also worked pitch side with one of the Loughborough men’s teams on a Wednesday, enabling me to be around campus for training and increasing my physio knowledge concurrently.

I currently work within the Elderly medicine therapy team and cover the COVID elderly wards.  The flexibility of my role has led me being required to work a varying number of hours and days to help where able. Thanks to COVID, we are now seeing different kind of patients with symptoms which are a lot harder to interpret. Our role has altered from mobilising and helping everyone early to trying to only step in and help patient when necessary/when they need help getting home. Not to mention wearing PPE constantly which often adds it’s own complications.  I have seen some very sad and some heart-warming cases of people affected and have felt and seen the mental and physical strain this has placed upon my fellow colleagues.

Keeping Fit in Covid

To keep fit/train I bought myself several pieces of equipment including an exercise bike. My plan was to give myself the challenge of biking the distance to Madrid as we were meant to go there for a trip in April, in less than the Google-advised 96 hours. This is proving a lot harder than I thought as I’m only 200 miles down with many more to go. Loughborough Lightening have also provided tailored  weekly fitness plans which I am trying to complete, although sometimes I am just way too mentally and physically tired from work to stick to it completely (if you’re reading this Stephen, I’m trying my best, promise!).

Prior to all this I did have a lot of travel plans as I’m a big fan of history and exploring historical places, but I guess those plans are on hold. During the little time left between work and rugby I do love to attempt a bit of baking too, although, I doubt Mary Berry would be fighting to try my bakes!

When we get back into rugby I want to continue trying to be the best player I can be. If that leads to me getting to the World Cup then that would be a dream come true.

Jo’s Rugby Background

Netherlands-born Jo was brought into rugby by her father David who was a coach at Glossop RUFC and she took up the game at 13.  She also spent time at Firwood Waterloo but combined playing at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks along with studying, and playing, at Teeside University where she was named the University’s sports woman of the year in 2015.   Jo remained with the Sharks from her debut in 2012 to the end of the 2017-18 season, while completing her studies for a Masters in Physiotherapy at Northumbria University.   She then moved to Loughborough Lightning for the start of the 2018-19 season where she helped the club finish third. The back row forward’s leadership skills have been recognised as she has captained a number of sides during her career including Northumbria Women, Teeside Women and Glossop U18.   Jo was awarded a full-time England contract in January 2019 and featured twice as a replacement during the 2019 Women’s Six Nations.

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#betterneverstops