Jess Breach: Back where it began
The StoneX Stadium is home territory for speedster Jess Breach and for the Saracens wing the stadium holds great memories.
Jess made her England debut against Canada in 2017 at the StoneX when she scored an incredible six tries.
That Canada Test saw other debuts, among them best friend Zoe Harrison, Ellie Kildunne and Hannah Botterman, who all agreed to have the date tattooed on their bodies to mark the occasion. Only Jess actually did it.
A six-try debut was certainly something special and she said, “It still seems surreal and certainly did at the time.
“It was definitely part of me joining international rugby and it was amazing to be on the pitch with the other debutants and especially with Nolli (Waterman) before she retired. It was great being there with people who helped you on your journey and hopefully now we are helping others the same way, it’s a recurring theme.”
When she was new to the England setup Breach said, “The build up to that Canada Test was so scary for Zoe and me. We would be in our room thinking ‘Is this really going to happen?’ When the team was announced it was a very special moment to share.”
After that six-try debut, Jess followed up with five tries in the third game of a three-Test series and said, “Canada are very athletic, very quick and at that time they were quite raw, but they’ve definitely grown into a very good top tier women’s rugby team.”
Now rooming with up-and-coming prop Kelsey Clifford, as her usual roomie Zoe is injured and in rehab, she said, “Kelsey’s young and new to the environment, so having someone who’s experienced to share with works as it’s never easy that first time. It doesn’t take long to feel part of this group though because they’re very welcoming.”
STARTING OUT AGED SIX
Jess was six when she followed her father, John, and older brother, Ryan, into rugby at Chichester RFC.
A talented sprint hurdler at secondary school, she took part in the England Schools Championships, but opted for life as a try-scoring rugby player. She moved to Pulbrough RFC, made a best friend, later to become England fly half, Zoe Harrison, at a London & South East rugby camp when they were 15.
Her dynamic style of play saw her running out for England Sevens and winning bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, before being given a full-time XVs contract the following year.
Signed up to Harlequins, she met boyfriend and Quins 50+ cap flanker, Archie White, their relationship helping to make leaving the club for Saracens “a tough decision” for Jess.
The couple discussed the move and, “Archie wanted what was best for me and moving to Saracens was. I still support him when he plays, and he supports me.”
Jess played against her old club last February at StoneX Stadium and said: ”It was great fun, especially because we won and I scored a try!"
It was some try, Jess outpacing the opposition to the delight of the home crowd.
FAMILY MATTERS
Her debut date 17-11-2017 is in roman numerals on Jess’s ribcage because, “I was in town with my mum, and she pointed out a tattoo parlour. We walked in and I got it done there and then."
Her parents are at every Test match and mum Tricia is Jess’s biggest supporter. So, when her mum was having treatment for breast cancer and couldn’t travel to a match, not seeing her in the crowd, and Facetiming her after the game was very emotional for Jess.
“That was tough emotionally,” Jess recalls. “We were in tears on the phone as we couldn’t be there for each other. My mum’s diagnosis and treatment was so hard for her and the family.
"She’s doing so well, has one more year before she’ll hopefully be cleared. And now we’ve got a new baby to look forward to. My sister-in-law Chloe is pregnant, so my nephew Theo, who’s 17 months, will be a big brother. Theo is my new supporter and will be at StoneX for the match."
She continued: “It’s lovely seeing families and kids around the Test matches and in camp. Marlie’s little boy Oliver just came into camp and there’s a lovely family feeling to this group. The parents are quite close because many of us grew up together.”
HIGHS AND LOWS
There are many highs in Jess’s rugby career, the lows mostly involve injuries, although the Rugby World Cup last year was challenging.
Breach said: “It was hard, for the team and hard for me personally as it wasn’t how I thought my World Cup would go. I didn’t think I’d only play that one game against South Africa.
"That situation is always tough, you want to be there for the team, to put them in the best place for the weekend and you really have to change your mindset. My family were out in New Zealand so it was difficult for them too, but having them there meant I could switch off with them a bit.
“Watching the final was heartbreaking. We all left our seats and fell on our knees when we lost the ball at that late lineout. We felt so much for the girls, and all ran on the pitch to console them.
“Challenges like that do make you stronger. You get through it and know you can do that again if you have to.”
Breach continued: "The home Rugby World Cup in 2025 will be amazing. Running out at Twickenham in April in front of almost 60,000 fans was incredible. That kind of support is like having a 16th player on the pitch. New Zealand had that last time and hopefully we will in the 2025 final.”
A lot has changed in women’s and girls’ rugby over recent decades and the current Red Roses squad are very aware of the difference made by the pioneers.
Breach said: “Some of the England players from the first ever Test in 1987 came into camp recently and it’s very special having that relationship with them. Everyone wants to leave the team and the shirt in a better place. They certainly did and hopefully we can do the same.”
