Emily Tuttosi grew up on the Canadian prairies but even that vast expanse is not as wide as the funding gap between her largely amateur teammates and England’s full-time professionals. When the two sides collide in a Rugby World Cup semi-final this Saturday, the Red Roses will be instantly reminded what true sacrifice and extraordinary dedication look like.
The 27-year-old Tuttosi is one of the fortunate few who play their club rugby in England – in her case for Exeter Chiefs – but many of her fellow squad members have been forced to make “really hard choices” such as declining job offers, refusing promotions or postponing their final degree exams simply to make it to this tournament.
