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McDonald making change as NSL's first club sustainability officer

McDonald making change as NSL's first club sustainability officer

As LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons battle on the court, Elle McDonald is fighting the good fight off it.
The mid-courter works as the Welsh franchise's sustainability officer to help those around her make informed choices and protect the planet.
McDonald took on the role ahead of the 2025 season and has been involved across several initiatives.
'I've got a new role at Cardiff Dragons as the sustainability officer, which involves being an advocate among the players and our wider community to really make greener choices,' she said. 'And how we can take steps forward in that sustainability space.
'I have a background in teaching back at home, so it is quite different for me to have come across this role.
'But at the end of last year, I was speaking to quite a few people within our franchise and they felt really passionately about the sustainability space, and they wanted to come up with a role that would allow a player to really advocate for that.
'It is something that is important to me, but it should be important to everyone, so I am really proud to step into that space and really try and encourage not only our team, but across the league, all those small changes that can ultimately have a really big impact.'
Dragons were part of history last weekend as they and London Mavericks played the first extra-time period in Netball Super League history.
The game ended 55-55 after 60 minutes before Mavericks pulled away to take the game 72-61.
It means the team in green are still searching for their maiden win of the season and face new side Birmingham Panthers for the first time on Friday.
For McDonald, her performances on the court are fuelled by the choices she makes off it.
She added: 'As athletes, there are so many of those things that we really value, including obviously our health and wellbeing.
'Reducing those environmental toxins will make us feel mentally and physically better, but something that we are really focused on is sustainable travel.
'We are encouraging our fans to travel sustainably, whether it is catching public transport, walking, cycling, or carpooling to our events. We want to make sure we are encouraging that.
'Also, with our food choices, as athletes, that is so important for us and our performance.
'But how can we make sure we are supporting local and organic farms and reducing those transportation emissions.
'It is just a small thing that we can consider doing that will make a big impact. We've teamed up with Grassboots, which is a preloved sports gear app.
"We are hoping to build on the Cardiff Dragons community so people can sell or buy pre-loved sports equipment to help them get involved in sport, but also chose to donate any money to local charities.
'That is something we have been working on as well as some litter picks around the city.
'We are trying to make small changes when we can and hopefully influence our fan base and community to do the same.'
Watch Dragons and the stars of NSL 2025 live in action - purchase your club tickets today. For the ultimate showdown, secure your seat at the 2025 Grand Final at The O2, London!

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'I watched rugby league hero be knighted - it was my proudest moment as MP'
'I watched rugby league hero be knighted - it was my proudest moment as MP'

Daily Mirror

time24 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

'I watched rugby league hero be knighted - it was my proudest moment as MP'

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Tonight's rugby news as Welsh region hit by sudden tragedy and King honours legend
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Wales Online

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  • Wales Online

Tonight's rugby news as Welsh region hit by sudden tragedy and King honours legend

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Rugby league's first knight, Sir Billy Boston, can inspire today's generation
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Rugby league's first knight, Sir Billy Boston, can inspire today's generation

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUGBY league's first ever knight, Sir Billy Boston, is as relevant to today's generation at Wigan as he was his own, boss Matt Peet believes. The Welsh wonder was confirmed as the 13-a-side code's inaugural Sir in 130 years of existence in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Billy Boston, pictured leaving the field in 1966, has become rugby league's first ever knight. Credit: WIGAN WARRIORS After scoring 571 tries in 564 career appearances following a £3,000 switch after playing for Pontypridd and Neath RU, the 90-year-old has inspired many since. And Peet, who has had Boston in speaking to his side, feels the way he conquered adversity, including racism, can apply now. He said: 'There are always lessons to learn from the past and in that era in sport there were trailblazers who faced tough conditions and treatment. 'There's no doubt that paved the way for other people and Billy certainly falls into the category of being an unstoppable force. No matter what people thought of race or class during that time, he let his rugby do the talking. 'I don't think Billy's that comfortable speaking about his own achievements, but he's a huge presence. He's part of the team at Wigan. 'When I say to fans, 'Who's your favourite?' It's almost like, 'It's Billy, then we'll talk about everyone else.' 'He's an iconic figure and to consider him a friend and speak to him at games is a privilege. Hopefully there's more to come for the game.' The man from Tiger Bay has three statues - at Wigan, Wembley and Cardiff Bay. Little wonder for a trailblazer, the first non-white player to be selected by Great Britain to tour Australia and New Zealand in 1954. He won 32 caps, scoring 25 tries, and helped them win the World Cup in 1960, as well as Ashes Series against Australia at home in 1956/1957 and 1959/1960, and away in 1962. Boston scooped seven major honours at Wigan - for whom he scored 478 tries in 488 games, including three or more on 51 occasions - records that remain intact. 3 Boston is immortalised in three states, including one at Cardiff Bay in his native Wales Credit: Yet after hanging up his boots, many more followed. An MBE came in 1996 after he was inducted into the Rugby League and the Welsh Sports Halls of Fame. He became an honorary freeman of Wigan in 2000 and received BBC Wales' Elite Lifetime Achievement award in 2016. Warriors owner Mike Danson said: 'One of the biggest thrills in my ownership has been enjoying the company of Billy Boston. 'Without doubt, he was - and still is - the biggest crowd favourite in rugby league. 'He is my mum Jean's favourite player - they are of the same age! She remains in awe of the great man and his legacy. 3 Boston helped Great Britain win the 1960 World Cup Credit: RLHA/ 'I am thrilled that at long last Billy will be appointed as rugby league's first knight! A richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men rightly receives at last fitting recognition.' Another legend, Ellery Hanley, added: 'Billy was super world class. He had gone beyond anything else and what anyone else has done. His exploits on the field were remarkable – he was dynamite in every aspect of the game.' Congratulations also came from Boston's homeland as Wales Rugby League chairman James Davies said: "He has inspired so many and it's part of our responsibility to ensure his story will continue to do so for years to come.' Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield, where Sir Billy lives, said: 'I'm so proud that Billy, my constituent, a hero of rugby league, will now be Sir Billy Boston. Presenting Billy with a letter about his knighthood was an emotional moment. 'Billy is a remarkable man.'

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