DURING THE pandemic, it was the done thing to clap outside your house to show your appreciation for all the NHS staff going above and beyond the call of duty. Thankfully, Covid has now loosened its grip on society, but registered nurse Carys Cox has still been going the extra mile to juggle 12-hour shifts with playing top-level rugby in different countries. A feat that is worth a round of applause.

The growth in the women’s game means that Cox has, for now at least, transitioned into full-time rugby with Trailfinders in the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby league and Wales.

When she qualified as a nurse from Cardiff University, Cox worked part-time, meaning 12-hour shifts on a Sunday and Monday in the Welsh capital before jumping in the car and driving to London for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday training at Trailfinders in Ealing.

She’d play on the Saturday and then hit the motorway again to get back across the Severn Bridge in time for work. Then the cycle would start over. It’s enough to make you tired just hearing it. So just how did she do both?

“On reflection, it was probably way too much but it was 100 per cent worth it,” Cox tells Rugby World. “At the time I was very motivated for both – I still am – but I was very motivated to make sure I made it work with both nursing and rugby. Trailfinders were good in terms of managing my load when I needed to and I managed myself in terms of nutrition and sleep, making sure I was alright to perform.

“Now I’m just prioritising rugby, it’s way better. I feel brand-new most of the time!”