Elinor Snowsill, who won her 50th cap for Wales Women against Italy on Saturday evening, believes women’s rugby in Wales is in a better shape now than when she made her Wales debut.

Snowsill, who made her debut against Sweden in 2009 has been bowled over by the messages of support she received on the weekend and felt honoured to be able to share the moment with so many close friends and family – including a surprise visitor from the US!

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind really. It shows how much support we get as players with all the messages I got from home on the day of the game and little gifts to mark the milestone.

“I even found out my godfather flew over from Texas for the match, and I didn’t realise until afterwards. That was amazing as he’s like an uncle to me and all my family came out to watch too.
“It was a really different experience as matches go, an opportunity to reflect on your career.
“When I first started I realise now I didn’t have much of a clue about rugby, I was very young and experienced – as you are when you start out.
“Something like this makes you think about everyone you’ve played with, been coached and supported by along with way who has contributed to making you the player you are, so it’s a nice chance to thank everyone.

Snowsill is enjoying being able to pass on some of her experience to the current squad.
“I’m not quite the oldest in the group but it’s nice to be part of the young girls’ journeys. Some have just had first caps in the last few months so it’s nice to think about the future ahead of them – hopefully when they’re on 50 caps the game will have developed even further.”

The former Plasmawr pupil is not looking too far into the future in terms of her international goals. Elinor, who now works for the School of Hard Knocks charity delivering their schools programme, is taking each game at a time.

“It’s taken me ten years to reach 50 caps so I don’t think I’ll be hitting the 100 cap mark! I’ll take each game at a time but if my body’s in one piece and I’m still enjoying the game I’ll carry on.”

Wales take on England at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 24 February, 12.30pm. Tickets available from Cardiff Blues box office.