The winners of the four domestic leagues received their medals, as did the regional champions, the Cardiff Blues.
Saturday’s event bought to an end a hugely exciting first half of the year, with attentions now turning to the RBS 6 Nations and this summer’s World Cup. Under head coach Rhys Edwards, Wales face Italy, France and Scotland at Aberavon’s Port Talbot Athletic Ground with away trips to England and Ireland over the next few months. After that, Edwards takes his side to Marcoussis in France for this summer’s World Cup.
“It’s an exciting time for women’s rugby in Wales with the World Cup on the horizon and the Six Nations coming up,” said Wales Women’s forwards coach Liza Burgess.
“We have been drawn with France, South Africa and Australia for the World Cup and it’s really exciting.
“We’ve selected our squad for the Six Nations and we had some tough decisions to make. It’s a hugely exciting squad with some younger players coming in for the first time. We’ve got a good mix of both youth and experience and hopefully we’ll benefit from that.”
While Saturday’s event was a chance to look forward, it was also an opportunity to reflect on a successful club season.
Kidwelly were crowned Division 3 winners, winning all eight of their matches while Barry Bombettes ended up top of Division 2, losing just one game in the process. Kidwelly coach Lowri Harries, who is a key member of both the Neath Athletic and Wales squads, was proud of her side’s achievements.
“It’s a new experience for me coaching the team and I was thrown straight in at the deep end,” she said. “The girls have been fantastic and the commitment they have shown, I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Frank Greig, coach of the Bombettes, said: “It’s all about bringing the youth players through and that’s what we’re doing at Barry.” Kidwelly’s Keely Evans was named Division 3 player of the season while Ffion Bowen of Maesteg Celtic took home the same award in Division 2.
After winning the Division 1 title, Whitland can now look forward to playing Premiership rugby next season. The west Wales outfit finished eight points clear at the top but it was Jess Kavanagh of Caernarfon who took home the individual award.
“We have a good crowd of girls – we are a family down at the club and we all help each other out,” said Whitland team manager Sue Davies.
“The club backs us in everything we do and it will be great to test ourselves in the Premier Division next season. Hopefully it will help attract more girls from west Wales to take up the game in our area.”
Neath Athletic were crowned Premier League winners, holding off Llandaff North at the top. Llandaff’s Becky Newton was named player of the season.
“We did not have it all our own way and full credit has to go to Llandaff North who pushed us all the way and got the better of us during the season,” said Neath’s Lowri Harries.
“But we came out on top and that’s a great credit to the team.”
Amanda Williams, Neath team manager, added: “As a club we have been trying to develop the number of youth players at the club and we now have a development team which is competing this season.
“They are only playing friendlies but we have had 20 new players come in and we’re keen to make sure there’s a lot of strength in depth going into the future.”
At regional level, the Blues stunned defending champions the Ospreys by claiming a 14-5 victory to secure the title. Going into the final round of matches, the Ospreys, Blues and Scarlets all had realistic chances of claiming the title. But Blues fly half Robyn Wilkins, who is a new face in the Wales squad for the upcoming Six Nations, kicked an early penalty and her side never looked back. Wales and Cardiff Blues back Philippa Tuttiett was named regional player of the season.
Blues skipper Gemma Hallett said: “Our success this year all started with our coaches. They are really passionate and told us we could go out there and beat the Ospreys.
“It was massive for us and we gelled really well as a team. We had a common goal of wanting to go out there and win the title and it was great to do that.”
Cenin Eifion of Caernarfon took home the Volunteer recognition award. “I had every opportunity to play rugby myself from the age of 13 onwards and all I wanted to do was give something back to the players,” she said.
“When you coach the girls and you see a smile on their faces then that’s the main thing.”
Award winners
Division 3 Winners – Kidwelly
Division 3 Player of the Season – Keely Evans (Kidwelly)
Division 2 Winners – Barry Bombettes
Division 2 Player of the Season – Ffion Bowen (Maesteg Celtic)
Division 1 Winners – Whitland
Division 1 Player of the Season – Jess Kavanagh (Caernarfon)
Premier Division Winners – Neath Athletic
Premier Division Player of the Season – Becky Newton (Llandaf North)
Regional Winners – Cardiff Blues
Regional Player of the Season – Philippa Tuttiett (Cardiff Blues)
Coach/Volunteer Recognition Award – Cenin Eifion (Caernarfon)
Scrum Queens Club of the Year – Gwernyfed
