Pam had made a name for herself in the front row for the Bears, and she was hopeful that this year would bring her international recognition.

Rather, during the second round of the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby, she sustained a syndesmosis injury that required a prolonged period of rest.

After returning, she was not selected for the Red Roses’ Six Nations squad, which made her doubt her ability to play rugby in the future.

“Despite my injury, I was really expecting to play for the Six Nations squad, but I’m weary all the time. I believe that affected me more deeply than I had anticipated when it didn’t occur.

“I was just thinking, ‘What’s the point?'” It feels like I’m killing myself in this sense, and it doesn’t seem to be paying off right now.

I had to take a seat and tell myself to either quit playing or drastically cut back. I had to ask myself, what do you enjoy doing, and what do you want?
“First and foremost, I adore the squad and playing at Bristol. I adore the atmosphere and culture of our team.

“I believe that my struggles have been mostly caused by an injury. On the pitch, I don’t feel like I can do the things I really enjoy doing, but that will change with time.

After suffering an ankle injury, Pam had to have surgery. She returned to the pitch in February to play against Loughborough Lightning, the same team that had initially injured her.

Even though she had been back for two months, Pam didn’t feel like she had moved on from it until ten days ago, during the Allianz Cup semifinal match against Gloucester-Hartpury.