The Welsh Women’s team rose to new heights last season when the side coached by Jason Lewis, earned a number of remarkable achievements. For the first time in 22 years, Wales Women defeated arch rivals England. They also gained automatic qualification for next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosted by England, and when defeating Ireland in their last game of the Six Nations, secured the coveted Triple Crown.
A delighted Jason Lewis said the players appreciated the audience with such highly respected political figures.
“It was a good event,” he said. “To receive recognition from the Minister was great for the whole squad. We all really appreciated the gesture by WAG. It gave us an opportunity to show and explain to them how committed the players are, combining full-time work and training for international sport. It was good to speak with AMs to see where women’s sport and particularly rugby sits on their agenda. They all appear very supportive.”
Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said it was only right and proper that the Welsh team’s exploits were recognised.
“To be fair the women’s rugby team have had their fair share of batterings over the years but they have stuck at it. Some of the girls have been playing for some years now and I think they are to be congratulated for their tenacity and the way they have developed into an obviously effective unit. I think it is right and proper that we in the assembly as representatives of the Welsh people honour them.
“Rugby is an unforgiving game physically. I admire the team immensely for their achievements last year and I can only hope they will have success in next year’s World Cup. I will follow their progress with interest.”
Welsh Women’s captain Mel Berry, added: “It’s been a long time coming for us to receive some formal recognition in the game so it’s been brilliant for us and women in sport generally to get this sort of recognition.”
