'Borderline Personality Disorder is my superpower'

Donna Rose, a 35-year-old tighthead prop for Saracens, has had a remarkable year in the world of rugby. Last year, she represented Wales at her second World Cup and helped her team win the Premiership Women's Rugby title in June. However, off the pitch, Rose battles with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental health condition that causes unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships.

Despite its name, Rose insists that BPD does not mean having multiple personalities. Instead, it often manifests as severe self-doubt and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. Rose explains that her BPD makes her feel emotions twice as intensely as others, making even minor setbacks feel like monumental failures. Diagnosed at 21, Rose's BPD began to impact her life significantly, leading to struggles in school and run-ins with the law.

After a mental health crisis, she was diagnosed with BPD and began researching the condition online. She found support in rugby, which she believes is her true medicine, providing her with a much-needed adrenaline rush and helping to manage her symptoms. Rose credits her rugby career for being a major success story, as it allows her to channel her intense emotions and anger into powerful performances on the field.

Her supportive rugby family, including teammates Marlie Packer and Carys Phillips, have been crucial in helping Rose navigate the challenges of living with BPD. Rose's daughter, Margot, born in 2025, has also become an invaluable source of comfort, providing her the emotional support she needs during difficult times. Rose aims to raise awareness about BPD, sharing her story to show that mental health disorders do not define a person's potential.