Injury lay-off helped Jones deal with father's death

Leicester Tigers and England centre Megan Jones says the injury which kept her out for three months helped her deal with the death of her father.

The Cardiff-born 28-year-old is set for her first appearance of the Premiership Women's season when Leicester host Bristol Bears on Saturday.

Jones says it will be a significant moment in her career, with her father a constant figure at her matches since she first took up the sport as a child.

"He was a proud Welshman, so obviously didn't love me wearing the rose, but he loved coming up to Tigers and watching me," she told BBC Radio Leicester.

"He also loved the feel of the club.

"This will be the first time playing without my dad watching, so it will be special for me."

Jones represented Team GB at Paris Olympics during the summer and was due to link up with England side ahead of their WXV campaign when her father passed away.

An ankle injury, which required surgery, ruled her out of international action and sidelined her for the start of the league season with Tigers.

"It’s always tough missing out on games, but personally it came at a really good time for me," she added.

"I’d just finished at the Olympics and my dad sadly passed away four days before I went back into the Red Roses camp.

"It came at a good time for me because it meant I could really process the grief and I could have time to myself and be home with family."

Jones said she came to "value the rugby community" around her more than ever as she grieved, and said the loss has given her a new perspective.

"As sports people our results define us, how we perform defines us, but truth be told our health, our friendships and connections are more important than the game itself," Jones said.