It is not every week young rugby players get the chance to play in the Millennium Stadium, but that is the reward for four Cardiff Schools girls teams after they successfully negotiated the qualifying tournament held at Cardiff University playing fields, in Llanrumney yesterday.
The annual event at the Millennium Stadium pitches the best teams at under-13, under-16 and under-19 from around Wales in a showpiece finale.
Around the country, teams play-off against each other at TAG and Touch rugby for their right to take part in the prestigious occasion, at the home of rugby in Wales.
Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr (pictured) from Fairwater in Cardiff were one of the successful teams. Led by current Wales international and Player of the Year, Catrin Edwards the school will have both U-13 and U-19 teams in the finals.
Joining them will be Llanishen U-13s, who drew level on points in the round robin tournament with Plasmawr and Ysgol Bro Morgannwg at U-16s.
Cardiff Blues development officer, Nadine Griffiths, who organised the Llanrumney competition said,
All the girls really look forward to taking part in this tournament, which is understandable when the prize at stake is the chance to play at the Millennium Stadium. Although its a decider in that respect, it is a real festival of rugby in its own right.
Nadine continued,
Girls rugby in Cardiff is becoming more and more popular, with more schools and young players wanting to play regularly throughout the city every year.
There have been some notable successes for girls rugby in Cardiff this season too, such as Cardiff Quins who won the Senior Welsh Cup and also to Cardiff University Ladies who secured promotion to the Premier League by winning their league title out right and they thrashed Swansea in the Varsity match!
Commenting on the tournament in Llanrumney, Blues Community & Coach Education Manager, Richard Hodges said,
Its unfortunate that only one team at each age grade can go on to play at the Stadium, as we have seen some excellent rugby played today by many teams. I wish all the teams from Blues region good luck next week.
Nadine concluded,
With so many girls wanting to play, we are appealing to a club in the area to step forward and help run a girls section next season. If any clubs are interested and wish to discuss this, please get in touch with me.
If you would like to get involved with Girls Rugby call Nadine on 07766337086 or email [email protected]