Jasmine Joyce, Wales’ wing, says that her main focus is on the 15-aside World Cup in New Zealand this year. It starts in October.
Joyce is a star on the world stage of sevens with outstanding performances for Great Britain at The Olympics.
Joyce has other ambitions, however, after she became a full time professional with Wales.
Joyce stated, “I want to be at a 15s World Cup so badly.”
The Bristol player and her Wales team-mates are currently preparing for their first Six Nations tournament. They will be playing with 12 full-time players as well as 11 part-time players.
Joyce is a prominent women’s player because of her sevens achievements. She admits that she may face a dilemma if given the opportunity this year to appear on the sport’s abbreviated edition.
Fiji and New Zealand were unable to participate in the World Series events in Malaga or Seville. Poland was invited to fill in any gaps.
Wales was not represented, but the World Series will resume in Canada in April and the final round at Toulouse in May.
Joyce also has in mind post-season rest in New Zealand before the 15s World Cup in July and August 2022.
She stated that she loves sevens, and some of the girls here love sevens, but because it is such an important year for 15s, like when I want so badly to go to a 15s World Cup, I want New Zealand and all of its associated activities, so it would be something I should talk about.
“I believe it would have to have a plan within because we potentially have Euros (sevens), which is in June.
“My focus this year is definitely 15s. It’s possible that we will never get another chance to play in the World Series.
“So, if something like this did happen to us, I think we would have to sit down and talk about it to determine if it was possible. I’ve got the responsibility to take care of myself mentally and physically as well as make sure that I have enough time off.”
Joyce has kept a meticulous record of every aspect of the sport since her participation in the Tokyo Olympics for Great Britain sevens.
She is now a full-time player for Wales, has recently been engaged to Alisha Butchers (club and international) and has earned her post-graduate certificate of education (PGCE).
“I can’t think of a better six month, ever,” said Joyce. Joyce said that it was definitely hard to take in.
Joyce has been an active full-time rugby player since childhood, having represented Great Britain twice at the Olympics. She also played in the World Series Sevens seven times as recently as 2021.
“I think that the fact I’ve been professionally before and I was professionally for last year, I think helps it to a lot just because I know how I can balance my free time,” she stated.
“Because that’s something I believe is a difficult thing that many of us will struggle with or find most challenging… Everyone has been balancing work from eight ’til 5, going straight to training, most girls six days per week, and they have to work harder to get more money.
“But, I believe because I have the experience of managing free time and stuff like this, it’s just continue I guess.”