When Cass Bargell had her large intestine removed four years ago, her surgeon was adamant she would play rugby again, even with an ostomy bag.

That surgeon might not have realised, however, that for Bargell, playing rugby again would involve representing the United States on her sport’s biggest stage –- the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

After coming off the bench against England in Sunderland last week, the 25-year-old will start at scrum-half in Saturday’s must-win encounter against Australia in York.

It is a remarkable journey for a player who was diagnosed with acute ulcerative colitis in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring surgery to remove her colon as a result.

That led to her being fitted with an ostomy bag, and when she plays rugby, that is protected by a belt.

And wh

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