Meg Jones: England midfielder’s injury a huge loss, says Tatyana Heard

Tatyana Heard has called the injury to her England midfielder Meg Jones a “huge loss” for the Red Roses.

Jones suffered a “serious ankle injury” that ruled her out of all of the Red Roses’ fall games.

In Jones’ absence, Gloucester-Hartpury’s Heard is expected to continue in the 12 shirt for friendlies with France and New Zealand, but he is under pressure to form a new midfield duo.

Emily Scarratt, Phoebe Murray and Katie Buchanan are all contenders to play as an outside center.

“It creates opportunities for other people,” Heard said. “It should be an interesting few weeks and an exciting time for anyone who gets that chance.”

The Red Roses will face France, who they beat 42-21 in April, in Gloucester on Saturday to secure their third consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam.

On September 14, they will welcome the world champions to the new Allianz Stadium, formerly known as Twickenham.

Leicester Tigers player Jones is known for her all-round play and for her role as an important figure in the England squad.

“Meg is incredibly important to us, her personality on and off the court is fantastic,” said Heard, who also detailed how she has been working on building new combinations.

“I think the biggest difference is the noise level. Nobody can be louder than Meg.

“I think noticing the voice of one person to another is something that goes unspoken, but it’s a big thing. If I get used to hearing one person’s voice, I can tap into that very easily. Having to listen more to tap into a different tone is a big difference for me.”

Heard did not reveal who she might play with, but did say she would not play in a number 13 shirt: “I’m just a one-hit wonder, just a number 12.”