Connie Powell, the Red Roses hooker, is channelling profound personal loss into her international rugby career, aiming to provide her family with a reason to smile during the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The sudden death of her older brother, Matt Burgin-Powell, last November has given Powell a fresh perspective on life and sport, driving her to honour his memory on the field.
A Heartbreaking Loss and a New Perspective
Matt Burgin-Powell, a 32-year-old detective sergeant with Suffolk Police, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. He was not only Powell's sibling but also her most devoted supporter, regularly attending her matches for both Harlequins and England. His absence has been deeply felt, yet Powell finds strength in his legacy.
"He was my biggest supporter," Powell reflected during an interview at the Allianz Stadium. "I know he'll be with me if I play. I was really close to him, so that gave me massive perspective on life. I'm just trying to enjoy every day and keep enjoying the small things."
Playing for Family and Finding Joy
After missing selection for the World Cup, Powell earned a recall to the England squad under coach John Mitchell for this year's Six Nations. At 25, she approaches the tournament with renewed purpose, playing as much for her grieving family as for herself.
"I think I just want to come in and give my family something to smile about," she explained. "It's a really hard time for them right now. I want to come in, try and do them proud. I've got almost no expectations of myself. It's been a real tough few months, but I think that almost makes it more enjoyable, right? Because you're just coming in, enjoying being in camp, enjoying being around the girls."
Powell acknowledges that rugby serves as a therapeutic distraction during difficult days, helping her navigate grief while maintaining her passion for the sport.
Overcoming World Cup Disappointment
The loss of her brother compounded the disappointment of missing out on England's World Cup squad, a setback Powell has worked hard to overcome. Having been part of the Red Roses squad in New Zealand for the 2022 World Cup, she knew opportunities to compete on home soil were limited.
Watching England's victory against Canada at a sold-out Allianz Stadium last September was bittersweet. "The biggest thing for me was probably the feeling of disappointment that this wouldn't have come around again in my career," Powell admitted. "You're sad, you're angry, and then you look at it in a positive light. I watched all the games, and I was the number one supporter from home, screaming for the girls."
Finding Balance Beyond Rugby
During her time away from the national team, Powell launched a hair extension business, embracing a creative outlet that provides balance and perspective. This venture has allowed her to engage with people outside rugby, offering a welcome distraction and practical preparation for life after sport.
"It's quite therapeutic, easy on the body on recovery days," she noted. "I'm 25 and I'm aware you've got to have something more. You go and do hair extensions, listen about someone else's life, give them loads of confidence, and then you're like, that's all right, go and do it again tomorrow. So yes, it's nice to have something completely different."
Embracing the Present Moment
As Powell returns to the Allianz Stadium to face Ireland in the Six Nations, she carries with her a grounded appreciation for the journey. Her experiences over the past year have reshaped her outlook, emphasising gratitude and resilience.
"It makes you sit back and say, 'it's just sport,'" she concluded. "There's so much more to life, my feet are a bit more on the ground, and I'm way more appreciative of the small things along the journey – because we're really lucky to do what we do."
With over 70,000 tickets sold for the Red Roses' return to Allianz Stadium, Powell's story adds a poignant layer to the tournament, highlighting the human spirit behind elite athletic performance.
