Grŵp hosts WRU’s first ever girls’ Leadership Days

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai hosted two Leadership Days for Year 10 students as part of the Welsh Rugby Union’s ‘Girls in Rugby Week’.

In the first conferences of their kind in Wales, students from local schools were invited to Coleg Menai and Coleg Llandrillo to hear from inspirational guest speakers within the world of women’s rugby.

The students also took part in WRU Rugby Leaders Award sessions, in which they developed the skills to coach non-contact rugby and start their journeys to becoming leaders within the sport.

The events were organised by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the Grŵp, as part of the WRU’s ‘From the changing room to the boardroom’ philosophy.

Guest speakers at Coleg Menai in Llangefni were:

• Jenny Davies, who made history this year when she became the first former Wales player to referee an international game
• Eloise Kirby, a PhD researcher in Sport Physiology at Bangor University, where she also captains the women’s rugby team

At Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea, the guest speakers were:

• Dr Seren Evans, research associate and sport science lecturer at Bangor University, and physiotherapist with RGC and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai girls’ academy
• Lucy Brown, assistant coach for Wales U18 girls and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai girls’ rugby academy, and the WRU’s Player Development Centre lead for North Wales

Jenny Davies, who is Coleg Menai’s sport curriculum coordinator and Level 2 Sport programme leader, was capped 74 times for Wales, playing in the 2010 World Cup and several Six Nations tournaments.

After hanging up her playing boots, she moved into coaching and set up RGC’s under-18 women’s team, before later switching to refereeing.

“There’s more to rugby than just playing,” said Jenny. “If one door shuts, another will open for you.

“Events like this are important to help the girls realise they can achieve what they want to if they put their mind to it.

“I’m living proof - I didn’t start playing until I was 18, and I went on to play for Wales and am now a referee in international rugby. The opportunities I’ve had and the skills I’ve learned from playing rugby, coaching, and refereeing - they’ve shaped me into the person I am.

“It’s not a male-dominated sport any more. Myself and others are trying to create pathways to make it easier and more accessible, so the next generation of girls don’t have to feel intimidated.

“I wish the girls every success, and I hope the game gives them skills which help them gain the jobs and opportunities they aspire to.”

Lucy Brown started out in football, but switched to rugby aged 21 and went on to coach Scotland under-18s. She also coached in Brazil before her current role with the WRU.

Lucy said: “I spoke to the students about how being a leader in sport doesn’t always mean playing at the highest level - there are other ways you can be a leader.

“I started out as a player with ambitions to play at the highest level. Unfortunately I didn’t get to do that due to injury, but I did get to travel the world through coaching.

“The journey that sport takes you on may or may not lead to playing for Wales, but if it doesn’t, it could lead to something else, such as being a coach, a referee, or a physio. Or it can mean being a voice for women in your sport - just being in the room can make a difference.”

Eloise Kirby described the WRU Leadership days as “a fantastic opportunity for the girls”. She told the students that her journey to being a PhD researcher wasn't linear, as she worked for a few years before university, before Covid changed some of her plans.

“One of my key takeaways for the girls was to not worry if they don't know exactly what they want to do,” Eloise said. “This seemed to resonate with them, as I know there can be a lot of stress for students choosing their post-school/post-college pathways.

“My other takeaway was just make the most of the opportunities that are presented to them - the WRU and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai session being a great example of one.”

She added: “Events like this give the students real, tangible life skills. Even if they don't go on to use these in a rugby leadership context, they're transferable skills that will be beneficial in many group scenarios such as in employment, further education, sports, etc.”

Dr Seren Evans spoke about how rugby can play a huge part not only in player development, but also in personal and professional development as well.

She had to stop playing rugby at a young age due to injury, but studied a sport science degree before undertaking a PhD researching predictors of rugby union injuries.

Seren said: “This has led to countless opportunities, including being a research associate on a World Rugby project researching injuries in girls’ youth rugby - and all of that has stemmed from days like this which have inspired me to be a part of the sport.

“My biggest piece of advice when wanting to work in rugby is, get your foot in the door early, volunteer in different roles and you will find your calling. And don’t forget, every rejection is a redirection. Rugby will give you an edge like no other sport. With that grit and resilience you develop through the game, you can achieve anything.”

The events were organised by Ellie George, WRU women and girls rugby officer for North Wales, and Ollie Coles, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and WRU rugby engagement officer.

Ellie said: “The Girls Leadership Days, as part of the 'Girls in Rugby Week/Wythnos Merched yn Rygbi' are a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of female leaders in sport, from the changing room to the board room.

“The girls from all the visiting schools were excellent, and completed their rugby leader qualifications as well having the opportunity to hear rugby journey stories from our inspiring guest speakers. It was an empowering and exciting event, and I have no doubt we will be seeing the girls leading in the sport industry one day!”

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is committed to growing the girls’ game in the region, by offering more opportunities both to play and to develop as leaders within the sport.

To learn more about Coleg Llandrillo’s Rugby Academy, click here. To learn more about the Grŵp Llandrillo Menai WRU Rugby Hub programme contact Ollie Coles o.coles@gllm.ac.uk