Wales' sisters doing it for themselves (and Nant)
You will be hard pushed to find a prouder rugby club in Wales right now than Nant Conwy.The north Wales club has produced not just one but two sets of sisters for Wales women's 2025 Rugby World Cup squad.Nel and Branwen Metcalfe have been named alongside Gwenllian and Alaw Pyrs in Sean Lynn's 32-player group which will kick-off their campaign against Scotland later this month.And while the Pyrs sisters are getting used to packing down together, it will be a new experience for the Metcalfes, with Wales Under-20s captain Branwen yet to make her senior debut.
"I'm lost for words to be honest, everything that's happened in the past year has been a whirlwind," said Branwen."I haven't trained much with the squad yet, but it's been really great coming into this environment, I'm learning a lot as I go."Everyone is really nice and it's nice to come in as a young player with all these experienced players."Asked who she looks up to in the camp, Branwen said: "Definitely Al Cal [Alex Callender] and Kate Williams, they're just role models, the way they play, the way they talk, I just want to be like them."Hopefully I can make a breakthrough at some point, I'm just trying to learn at this time."Nel said she was delighted for her not so little sister."The family is buzzing," she said."People have asked 'how do you feel?'. I couldn't be prouder. I've seen how hard she has worked, she deserves this."I would say I do look out for her [in camp] and check she's ok, but she can handle herself, everyone has been pretty welcoming."
Humble beginnings
Wales is no stranger to having siblings run out together, Horgan twins Claire and Louise both won international honours against France in 2008.But two sets of sisters is something quite special, even more so when they all come from the same grassroots club.Gwenllian, Alaw, Nel and Branwen all got their start at Nant Conwy, a community rugby club nestled between the villages of Llanrwst and Trefriw."They are always so supportive of us whatever we do," said Nel."It's just everything about Nant, it's not just a club, it's the whole community, everyone knows each other."That sense of belonging is underlined by Branwen: "Growing up we were probably there every day," the younger Metcalfe adds."The club has been such a big part of, not just our journey, but our whole family. It's really nice that we can do this together."The siblings will find out if they will play alongside each other when Wales announces its team to face Scotland next Thursday.
Nant Conwy RFC chairman Marc Jones said it was with a "heartfelt sincerity" that they celebrated the success of their former players."Congratulations to the girls, their achievements are down to their total dedication and commitment," he said."Their success is intrinsically linked to their coaches, staff and our whole club ethos. "Being part of the Nant Conwy community, it was only a matter of time that major representation was achieved. They will through their achievements, I'm sure, be a catalyst for all of our players moving forward."Tudor Roberts leads the girls section, Ceirw Nant, and he too is "immensely proud" of the girls for making the Wales squad from "humble beginnings". "It certainly spurs the young ones on, and shows that the pathway is there and through hard work and commitment it is possible," he said. "We wish them all the best of luck and will be cheering them on for sure."The standard of girls rugby in north Wales has bloomed, with quality games being played weekly. It's only a matter of time before more girls from north Wales start putting their hand up for selection."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
Man United star admits team needs to ‘repay' fans
Mason Mount states Manchester United are using criticism to fuel their performance ahead of the new Premier League season. The team aims to rectify their worst top-flight finish in 51 years and a Europa League final loss from the previous campaign. United will kick off their season at Old Trafford against Arsenal, a match Mount believes is ideal for a strong start. Mount emphasised the importance of starting with intensity, pressing, and dominating possession, aligning with the manager's vision. New signings, including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, are expected to boost the team's energy and goal-scoring ability.
BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Agreement reached over Morecambe takeover
Morecambe's owners and prospective buyers Panjab Warriors have reached an agreement in principle to transfer the majority shareholding in the announcement comes after the two parties agreed to a mediation session this week after an initial session failed to take place the week Warriors previously had their takeover approved by the EFL in June following the club's relegation from League Two, but a chaotic summer has since followed, with the Shrimps being suspended from the National League in the midst of an ongoing impasse."This agreement reflects the willingness of both sides to compromise in the best interests of Morecambe FC, its supporters, and the wider community. It paves the way for continued stability and a positive future both on and off the pitch," the two parties said in a joint statement., external"Final legal documentation will now be prepared, with immediate steps being taken to inform key stakeholders, including the National League and the club's management team."Both Panjab Warriors and Bond Group would like to thank all parties involved for their patience and support during this process, and we look forward to a new chapter in the club's history." Panjab Warriors, who have been trying to take over the beleaguered club for over a year, were joined in a separate bid by businessman Jonny Cato in trying to mount a closed operations in late July shortly after their suspension from the National League, with a takeover still to take culture secretary Lisa Nandy called on owner Jason Whittingham to sell the club, with the Shrimps' plight coinciding with the Football Governance Bill passing into is unclear from Thursday's statement when Panjab Warriors' takeover will be finalised, however."We would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their forbearance and can only apologise for the stress this has caused," added the Bond Group."In particular I would like to thank Rob, Derek, Oliver and Martin for their continued professional conduct and support throughout this process and also their support for the staff and the community."I would hope that the Shrimps fans can now give their full support to the club and its journey ahead."
The Guardian
18 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Horse racing trainer Bill Turner, Brocklesby Stakes specialist, dies aged 78 after fall
The trainer Bill Turner has died aged 78 after having a serious accidenton Monday. Turner, who was based in Sigwells in Somerset, was a former jockey and as a trainer became synonymous with the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster, having won the traditional first race of the Flat turf season six times. He had been in a serious condition in hospital after reportedly fracturing his skull in a fall and his daughter, Kathy, announced his death on Thursday afternoon. Speaking at Chepstow racecourse, she told Sky Sports Racing: 'Dad passed away about an hour and a half ago. 'We got the call in the lorry, I'd made the decision to come here, the horse [Red Snapper] was to run in dad's name in his honour, whatever had happened he would have wanted that. 'He slipped away this morning. The support from everyone in racing has been absolutely outstanding. I've tried to reply to as many people as I could, but I am so sorry if I haven't replied to you or someone else. The love that man had was absolute. 'He wasn't just my dad and my sister's dad and Ryan's grandfather, he was everyone's dad and the people who he has helped in their careers saw him as a dad. He would have preferred to have been going flat out up the gallops but unfortunately it was a freak accident. 'I still can't get round that this injury has done this to him, as I've pulled him out from such serious injuries on the gallops. Only last Sunday he was refelting my sister's salon roof.' Mick's Yer Man was Turner's last Brocklesby winner in 2013 and that victory held special significance. Kathy Turner added: 'His best ever moment was when Ryan [While, his grandson] won the Brocklesby on Mick's Yer Man .'
