'I didn't think I'd ever run again': Erin King on terrifying injury that nearly ended career

King finally returned to the field on January 3

Erin King pictured at the launch of Sport Ireland’s Women’s in Sport Week 2026

New Irish rugby captain Erin King has revealed the terrifying extent of the injury she suffered against England in last year’s Six Nations and the remarkable recovery she has made since.

“It was so serious that I didn’t know if I would ever play again. I was told I possibly wouldn’t even be able to run again,” the 22-year-old Wicklow flanker has disclosed.