Daisy Hibbert-Jones, a talented No. 8 for the Loughborough Lightning, has a cause close to her heart. Her journey has been marked by triumph, the spirit of perseverance, and a deep bond with her brother.
Hailing from the rugby-centric family of Wirral, Daisy found the sport to be integral to her upbringing. Her older brother, Henry, is severely autistic and has learning difficulties. Rugby has provided him with a sense of normalcy, independence, and community. This has inspired Daisy to dedicate herself to making the sport more accessible to individuals like her brother.
At the age of 21, Daisy is already making significant strides in her career. She commenced her journey at the local club, Port Sunlight, following the footsteps of her father and two older brothers. Her resilience and passion for the game led her to coaching, and she was bestowed with the title of Premiership Rugby’s Community Coach of the Year for her work with Sale Sharks Community Trust.
Daisy’s commitment to the sport extends beyond playing and coaching. She aspires to establish a Down Syndrome rugby team at Northampton Saints, with the aim of fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sport. Her love for rugby and her sense of responsibility towards her brother and others facing challenges have fuelled her passion for promoting inclusivity in the sport.
In addition to her dedication to inclusivity, Daisy’s journey has been marked by personal challenges. A severe injury threatened her rugby career at the age of 17. With the support of family, friends, and the wider rugby community, she successfully underwent surgery and made a remarkable recovery. Her determination and the unwavering support from the rugby fraternity have been pivotal in her journey.
Daisy’s aspirations also include representing her country at the highest level. Her talent and hard work shone through when she earned her first Red Roses cap in October. Despite facing setbacks, she has continued to push herself and aims to challenge for a spot in the national team.
Daisy’s story is an inspiring one, demonstrating how sport can be a catalyst for positive change and inclusivity. Her commitment to creating opportunities for everyone in rugby is a testament to her character and her love for the game. With her passion and resilience, she serves as a role model for aspiring young athletes and a beacon of hope in the world of rugby.