Wales Rugby League continues to make significant advances in developing the female game after holding a taster session for U18s and U16s girls, plus hosting their first-ever girls Champion Schools match in Wales.
It was a momentous occasion on Wednesday 25 January when Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun met in matches at both years 9 and 11 levels.
Both encounters were fiercely competitive with some outstanding attack and defence on display from all sides. Glantaf won both, with the year 11 game being played first where they won 42-0. Efa Williams scored two tries, with Olivia Lucas, Elen Price, Madison Isgrove, Lilly Taylor, Catrin Davies all getting one each. Price was superb from the boot kicking all seven goals.
In the year 9 game, Megan Elin Jones was the star of the show in Glantaf’s 46-6 win, scoring six of her sides eight tries and converting twice. Hannah Charitos chipped in with a try and goal, Elan Hall also scored a try, with Olivia Rawnsley kicking three goals. To consolidate, Catrin Lemos went over for Rhydywaun with Darcie Trow converting.
Glantaf’s sides now move to the next stage of the competition playing teams from England with the aim to reach finals day which is traditionally played in London the day before the Betfred Challenge Cup Final.
All players and teachers were welcomed on the day by Wales Rugby League’s CEO Gareth Kear, who commented: “It is another historic day for girls’ rugby league in Wales. Rugby league is a simple game to learn and play as evidenced today. If you can run, catch, pass and tackle, then you can enjoy rugby league. Well done to all players and teachers.”
This all came less than two weeks after the first open Wales U16 and U18 trials at Caerphilly’s Centre of Sporting Excellence which saw over 50 girls turn up, most of whom hadn’t played rugby league before then.
Kear adds: “Our national development sessions will run in East, West, and North Wales. Our first session was coached by current women’s full international stars. Players will now be competing for selection and an international cap for our Wales U16s team, that will play a full international for the very first time this autumn.”
If you are in years 10, 11 or sixth form and want to give rugby league a try, please contact Louise Morgan at louise.morgan@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.
