Rugby helps Wales prop Donna Rose manage borderline personality disorder

Wales prop Donna Rose says rugby has become central to how she manages borderline personality disorder, helping her channel intense emotions and cope with daily self-doubt. In an interview published by BBC Sport on Friday, the 35-year-old described the game as a vital source of structure, energy and support.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bWDyVn_aHw

Rose's past 12 months have included representing Wales at her second World Cup and helping Saracens win the Premiership Women's Rugby title in June. The achievements came while she continued to manage a condition that, as the BBC reported, can affect moods, behaviour and relationships. Rose said her own experience can make relatively small events feel much more significant and can leave her struggling to get out of bed.

She was diagnosed at 21 after her mental health deteriorated and she entered the care of a crisis team. Rose, who grew up in the traveller community, said she initially regarded the diagnosis simply as a label. Research into the condition later helped her recognise triggers and understand how they could return her thoughts to distressing periods in her life.

Rose takes daily medication to help control her symptoms, but told BBC Sport that rugby provides another form of relief by using the adrenaline she feels. She made her Wales debut in 2021 and has since won 42 caps, appeared at two World Cups and four Six Nations tournaments, and collected two domestic titles with Saracens. She believes the controlled physicality of playing prop allows her to turn anger into disciplined performance.

Team support has also been important. Rose said crowded changing rooms can leave her feeling isolated or overwhelmed, so Wales arranged daily check-ins with team-mates, staff and a doctor during last year's World Cup. She identified Saracens colleague Marlie Packer and Wales team-mate Carys Phillips among those who understand when she needs space and when she needs reassurance.

Rose became a mother in 2025, and said seeing her daughter Margot can transform a difficult day. She now speaks openly about living with the disorder in the hope that other people will feel less alone. Her message is that a mental health diagnosis does not prevent someone from pursuing a full life or reaching the highest level of sport.