The next Rugby World Cup is a key target for 56-times capped Snowsill, and she’s putting this forced downtime to good use. “This time away has made me realise the full impact rugby has had on me and how it enhances my life – not just on the field but through the people I’ve met too.”
It’s ten years since Snowsill made her Wales debut – and she hopes to keep the memories coming when rugby resumes – last year’s experiences with and against the Barbarians giving her a ‘new lease of life’.
“Playing for and against the Barbarians last year gave me a whole new perspective. Being involved with the Barbarians’ first matches against international teams this time last year was a defining moment for me. It was such a unique experience because we came together from different cultures and backgrounds which was enriching yet you’re also in an elite environment. I guess I took that experience and positivity into this season. Things are massively improving for us as a Wales Women programme and if everything clicks into place we can become a real threat as a side.”
Being part of the Barbarians double-header at Principality Stadium in November was another career highlight. “There was so much meaning behind that occasion for us. It was a real sign of progress – from the joint team announcement to the profile of playing at Principality Stadium alongside the men. Hopefully it sparked a change in attitudes towards us as a team.”
Elinor includes being part of a Commonwealth Games as another high. “When I first started playing, that wasn’t even a dream because there was no rugby at the Commonwealth Games or Olympics. To be part of that, not just with top rugby players but top sports men and women from all over the world was really special. I’ll never forget our first game on the opening night which was against the hosts Australia. When the teams ran out, the crowd just erupted – it was like being on FIFA!”
Professionally, the Wales and Barbarians fly-half is a lead coach and mentor in schools with the School of Hard Knocks charity, which uses rugby to help people going through a difficult time to reach their potential and her primary concern right now is the pupils she works with. Along with her colleagues she is busy preparing videos and materials to support them and keep them engaged for the next few months.
She said, “From a personal point of view, it’s been good to have work to fall back on these past few weeks without the routine of rugby training. As a player, it’s quite a good opportunity to work on fitness and strength. I’m also going back to basics with some of my individual skills.
“We have had excellent support from our strength and conditioning team at the WRU and we have some personal targets to meet. We have weekly plans to follow so from that point of view, we don’t have to think too much. I’m using the time to put on some muscle and get stronger – it’s actually a rare chance to be able do that. Plus I’m working on my kicking technique when I can too without the pressure of matches.
“My main concern at the moment is my School of Hard Knocks pupils . Some of them have difficulties at home or behavioural issues so things are often already hard for them. All activity in schools came to quite an abrupt stop in the end so we didn’t have much time to prepare ourselves or the pupils.
“My message to them is that tough times don’t last forever but the tough people do. This situation won’t last forever, we will be back and please stay focussed, check out some of our videos and challenges online and stay safe.”
