Welsh Women’s Rugby Celebrated

Players, coaches, volunteers and administrators involved at all levels of women’s rugby in Wales descended on the Park Inn Hotel, Cardiff to commemorate both international and community rugby achievements. 

Wales Captain Mellissa Berry, who led her side to a record 2nd place finish in the Six Nations and victory at the European 7s Championships, claimed the coveted Senior Player of the Year title, with her team-mate, Jamie Kift, picking up the award for Senior Players’ Player.  Both players had an enormous impact throughout the season and richly deserved their recognition.

At Development Level, Vikki Gaylard was named Player of the Year and Becky Davies was voted Players’ Player.  This vitally important squad had a positive season, with both Gaylard and Davies performing consistently in their victory over the British Army and close-fought battle with The Netherlands. 

The final international award, the Dennis Donovan Memorial Shield, was given to Kerry Jenkins in recognition of her pitch-side support given to the Wales squad despite her own disappointment at being unable to play for much of the season due to injury. 

Rhian Bowden, Becky Davies, Mared Evans, Beth Hawke, Rachel Poolman and Amy Thompson were presented with their international caps, with Mellissa Berry, Claire Donovan, Jamie Kift, Dawn Mason and Rhian Williams receiving their 50th caps.  Special recognition went to Liza ‘Bird’ Burgess on attaining her 75th cap. 

The development and importance of the grassroots game was recognised, with the presentation of trophies to league and cup winning clubs.  Llandaff North claimed the South Division One title, with Birchgrove and Dolgellau leading the way in South Division Two and North respectively.  Tylorstown picked up the National Cup and Cardiff Quins received the newly-incepted National Plate.  Nia Ritchie was rewarded with the Park Inn Award for Services to Women’s and Girls’ Rugby, while Tredegar Ironsides were given the coveted Coca-Cola Club of the Year prize. 

Earlier in the afternoon, 70 U14 and U17 regional players attended the WWRU Junior Regional Rugby Presentation Lunch, where their commitment to rugby and outstanding performances were recognised.   East Wales picked up the cup for U14 Champions, with West Wales receiving the U17 trophy.  Aimee Williams and Kerin Lake were named U14 and U17 Players of the Year, respectively.