Loughborough Lightning forward Emma Wassell is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a tumour in her chest.
The 29-year-old lock has been withdrawn from Scotland’s WXV 2 squad that is heading out to Cape Town after this weekend’s match with Fiji in Edinburgh.
After admitting herself to A&E, Wassell was diagnosed with a tumour and spent nearly a fortnight in hospital. She was released in time to watch Scotland defeat Wales at Hive Stadium – a match that featured five of her Lightning club mates.
Wassell will undergo surgery to remove the tumour in the coming weeks.
Emma said: “Unfortunately, rugby has now been put on hold for a while as I will get surgery to remove the tumour, but I will be doing everything I can to return in 2025. To miss another opportunity to be back playing in blue has been a really tough one to take, especially after my year but that truly is a testament to the team we have built.
“I honestly don’t have the words right now to describe the support I’ve had during this time, but I am beyond blessed with the incredible people I have in my life. Mum left me in good hands, and I will forever be grateful to every single one of you who made sure I never felt alone in any of this.”
Capped 67 times by her country, Wassell joined Lightning in 2021 and has made 28 appearances, scoring three tries.
Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said: “Everyone at Loughborough Lightning rugby sends our love and support to Wass after what has been a very challenging period for her. She has the full support of myself, programme and Loughborough University to support her recovery.
“Anybody that knows Wass knows how tough and resolute she is, we are confident she will make a full recovery, and we all look forward to the day she is back in a Loughborough Lightning rugby shirt.”
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