Meningitis Now staff member Andy Hopkinson

Congratulations to Rosie on World Cup call up

Andy Hopkinson | 28th September 2022

Huge congratulations to our Celebrity Ambassador Rosie Galligan, who has been named in the England Red Roses rugby squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup

Congratulations to meningitis ambassador Rosie on World Cup call up

Rosie, who plays her club rugby at Harlequins, is one of 32 players, comprising 19 forwards and 13 backs to be selected for the national team to travel to the tournament in New Zealand.

England will be looking to turn the tables on their New Zealand hosts who beat them 41 – 32 in the last final, played in Ireland in 2017. This year’s tournament was postponed from its originally scheduled dates in 2021 due to Covid.

We wish Rosie and all the Red Roses the best of luck for the tournament. Their action kicks off on Saturday 8 October against Fiji, with pool matches against France and South Africa to follow, before the knockout stages. The final is on Saturday 12 November.

Look out for your mates

Rosie, who has recently been supporting our Look out for your mates student campaign, including talking about her experience on Sky TV, saw her sporting career temporarily put on hold as she battled back from meningitis.

She became ill with a sore throat, loss of sensation in her legs, heavy body, sweats and a rash and it took a lot of time, tears, anxiety and training before she was able to return to the rugby pitch.

Speaking about her experience Rosie said: “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to say I have come out of this experience feeling more motivated than ever. I have started working a lot harder than before and I’m more focussed on what is important in life."

“My whole experience was a massive eye-opener and I am so glad I am able to now share my story and help others.”

Read Rosie’s story.

Rosie’s brother Henry, seen with her in our photo, is fundraising for us this year with a series of challenges.