Dragons Women ace Cerys Hale is determined to continue playing a pivotal part in bringing through the next generation of Gwent talent – as she prepares to face England in the Six Nations on Sunday (kick-off 12.30pm).
Hale has been a leading light in the Dragons Women set-up and for Wales Women in recent years.
The 25-year-old, who has won 19 international caps, has been named among the replacements for this weekend’s showdown with England at Cardiff Arms Park.
But her impact in the women’s game goes from the top all the way down to the grassroots as she helps coach and inspire young girls looking to take up the game.
"I've been involved with the Jesters and Knights girls' clusters (in Ebbw Vale and Newport) since they started,” Hale told the South Wales Argus.
“The Jesters took off massively straight away whereas it's been a longer process for the Knights, but it's great to know they're both doing well.
"I went to a Jesters session last summer where more than 50 girls were enjoying playing all different formats of the game and it was lovely to be able to join in,” added Hale, who featured off the bench against France and was an unused replacement in Italy.
“I've played for the Dragons since age-grade, was lucky enough to captain the Under-18s and senior side and now I assist with the coaching at Under-18 level.
"I know what it was like to be struggling to put a girls' team together so it's great there are now more opportunities for girls to play the game."
Hale, a teacher from Newport, admits that rugby has always been a big part of her family life.
She grew up watching her brother with the junior sides at Newport High School Old Boys (NHSOB) – where she later played - while her dad was part of the coaching team and her mum was a first-aider.
"I played for the girls' teams at NHSOB for seven years until I was 18. The club played an important role, not only in my playing career but other aspects of the game too,” added Hale.
"I used to coach the under-8s and helped my dad with the special needs team there too. The club had, and still has a big family feel – I would never feel awkward about walking into the club on my own as I know so many people there."
Tickets for Wales Women's home Six Nations games are on sale HERE
I went to a Jesters session last summer where more than 50 girls were enjoying playing all different formats of the game and it was lovely to be able to join in...
