The 20 year-old from Ynystawe has eight caps to her name since making her Wales debut against Hong Kong a year ago and is in the Wales team to face the Barbarians at the Principality Stadium. The match, which is live on S4C from 11.35am – with English commentary available, is part of a double-header with the men’s game against the same opponents following afterwards.
There could be a record crowd in attendance to watch Wales Women as they prepare to play at the Principality for the third time in the team’s history. The current record of 11,062 was set at the stadium during the 2018 Six Nations against Italy, in a match preceding the men’s tussle with the Azzuri.
“I missed the game at the stadium last year, against Italy, because I was out with a knee injury. I had to watch from the stands,” said Crabb, who is a second-year student at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
“I think this will be a bigger occasion than those previous two games. We are hoping for a really big crowd and this is a brilliant opportunity for the women’s game. It will definitely be the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of.
“Having the opportunity to play at the stadium, for Wales, ahead of the men’s game, is going to be an awesome experience. For us, this could be the first glimpse of the professional future for the women’s game, which is something I really aspire to be part of.”
Having finished fourth in last season’s Six Nations, the womens team are already building towards next year’s tournament. So far this Autumn they have beaten both Scotland and Ireland after starting their November campaign with a defeat to Spain in Madrid.
And Crabb is looking to her fellow Ospreylian and 143-cap men’s captain, Jones, for inspiration, as she aims to cement her place in the national side.
“I want to be the best I can be and I won’t stop until I am the best. That’s the way I see it,” added Crabb.
“Alun Wyn Jones has been my big hero. I really like the way he presents himself on the field. He’s so calm all the time, but he does all the basics right.
“He doesn’t always stand out, but he always does his job in the background, whatever else is going on. He’s also always there for other players, which is a big thing.
“He’s been a great captain for Wales, which is something else I aspire to, so it’s no surprise he’s a hero of mine.”
Wales Women v Barbarians
Saturday 30 November, 11.35
English Commentary Available
Available to watch on-demand at S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms
A Media Atom production for S4C
