Records from the era prior to the women’s game being fully incorporated into the WRU this century are incomplete with many player names missing and the WRU wants to ensure that all players who represented their country in the past receive their place in Welsh rugby history and are presented with a physical cap at a ceremony later this year.
“We have been trying hard to locate all of our former Welsh internationals, we have tracked down many but there are still a significant number out there who have not been given the recognition they deserve and we would like to fix that and appeal to them to come forward,” said Claire Donovan, the former Welsh international who became only the second woman, after Liza Burgess in 2019, to be elected onto the WRU Council in 2021.
“There are a significant number of people out there who have played an important part in the proud history of Women’s international rugby in Wales and we want to recognise them properly.
“It has always taken a huge personal commitment to play for Wales and these people deserve to be recognised for their roles in our history and heritage.
“Perhaps they have moved away from Wales or changed their names through marriage or have been lost to us or put off from making contact for any other reason, but we have tried tracking people down in all the traditional ways and all that we have left to do now is launch an appeal for these former players to come forward.
“There are players out there who deserve their place in history, so if anyone out there can help please get in touch!”
In 2021 a group of former internationals who were found through the initial search were invited to a cap presentation at Principality Stadium along with their families including Sue Lovell who played in the first Wales Women international against England in 1987 and Lynne Delfosse who first represented Wales Women in ’91 in Spain, but when on to feature in the Canada Cup in ’93 and Rugby World Cup in Scotland in 1994.
On that night, Gerald Davies, WRU President said, “We are delighted to be able to start giving caps to anyone for whatever reason, didn’t receive one when they first played international rugby for Wales.
“It’s an important time for Women’s rugby which is developing at a rapid pace.
“There is huge excitement and a passion for the game at all levels, and as a Union we are committed to providing significant support for the female game, but it is also important we recognise those who have paved the way for current and future generations.”
A working group containing former Wales Women internationals Donavon, Burgess and Philippa Tuttiett was created in 2021 to aid the search and a number of players have since been awarded their caps; of the 300 players known to have played for Wales, 150 have been successfully identified and recognised for their achievement.
If you played for Wales in a full international fixture, and have not been presented with a Wales cap, then please fill out your details on wru.wales/missingcaps
