40 Years of Women: Karen Jones

NEWS |

Karen Jones (Medicine, 1996) is a Sport & Exercise and Emergency Medicine doctor, working as both an Emergency Medicine Consultant at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire and as Club Doctor for Premiership side Gloucester Rugby.

She has always had a love of sport, helping Pembroke Women’s to their first Headship in Summer Eights in 2000 and rowing for Oxford University in two Boat Races. In 1999, Karen turned her hand to rugby union, winning three Varsity Match blues. She went on to gain 32 caps for the England Women’s Rugby team from 2004-2010, and captained Worcester RFC Ladies when they topped the English Women’s Premiership in 2013. Karen began to focus her sporting interest onto her career in 2009 when she undertook an MSc in Sport & Exercise Medicine at UWIC before taking on the role of Club Doctor at Worcester Warriors.

Q. Why is media coverage of women’s sport still lacking despite spectacular wins?

A. The interest in women’s sport in general has escalated over the past few years and it was exciting to see the level of coverage and interest that the Women’s Football World Cup gained last summer. The Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2021 will hopefully provide a showcase to generate further interest in the sport. 

Q. How have you combined your love of sports and your medical degree?

A. As my international rugby career came to a close, I focused my love for the sport into my medical career. I now work as a Club Doctor for a Premiership rugby side, continuing my involvement in the sport I love.

Q. How far has Women’s Rugby come since you played for England in 2010?

A. Women’s rugby has gone from strength to strength over the last decade. The England Women are now on full time professional contracts and the domestic rugby sides are becoming semi-professional. Girls are now taking up the sport from a young age and this has led to a dramatic increase in the overall skill level throughout the sport.

Q. A favourite memory of Pembroke?

A. The highlight of my time at Oxford was rowing for Pembroke in 2000 when we achieved the Headship at Summer Eights. The procession from the boathouse and burning the boat in North Quad with my crew mates and coach are extremely special memories.