{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/a55af47f-5dca-46f3-8743-a2ce2c965d40/69f21064ae2fba210fbe0f07?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Alex Matthews","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/60ee3ecc7b57990bc2e77e62/1777471958123-d9b26654-7028-49d6-9454-86c6f35901ce.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Playing through a game while her dad was on the other side of the world after being rushed to hospital was one of the hardest experiences Alex Matthews has ever faced on a rugby pitch. The double World Cup winner reveals how she fought back tears at scrum time after learning a tumour had been found on her father’s spinal cord.</p><p><br></p><p>The Gloucester-Hartpury back-row also discusses life in camp as an introvert, how her natural instinct to care for others led her into a brief role in caregiving, and why she still finds it difficult to fully comprehend her position as a leader within the Red Roses.</p><p><br></p><p>In this podcast you will also hear from Alex's dad Dave, mum Vanessa, one of her first rugby coaches Bob Jones, as well as team mates Mo Hunt and Emma Sing.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>This podcast was recorded in January 2026.</em></strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong></p><p>▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrosesrugby/</p><p>▪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englandrugby/</p><p>▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedRosesRugby/</p><p>▪️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandRugby/</p><p>▪️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englandrugby</p><p>▪️ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@englandrugby</p><p>▪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/</p><p>▪️ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/englandru...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>MORE:</strong></p><p>💻 https://www.englandrugby.com/</p><p>🛒 https://www.englandrugbystore.com/</p>","author_name":"England Rugby"}