ONE of three Powys rugby players to be selected for a brand new Welsh regional women’s side has shared her delight.

Cat Jones is joined by COBRA clubmates Kelsie Webster and Kim Thurlow will represent Brython Thunder in this year’s Celtic Challenge competition. 

The Welshpool primary school teacher said she was thrilled to earn a place in the squad following her fightback from injury

She said “I was shocked to first of all be even in the provisional squad following the trial weekend. We then played a trial game against Cheltenham Tigers and I received player of the match. So to be named in the core squad it felt like a huge reward following all my rehab.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the new team, there’s extremely talented players. It’s great to play alongside Kelsie Webster after coaching her through the Rebels girls cluster rugby system.”

OTHER NEWS:

Jones said there was plenty of talent in women’s rugby in Powys but sympathised with players who face often insurmountable challenges in committing to training with the regional side based in South Wales.

“It’s a shame that the geographical location of the training and work commitments is a challenge for a number of great rugby players we have in COBRA.

“The WRU reasoning being that down south is where the density of teams and players are but COBRA moving into the premiership has definitely opened peoples eyes down South Wales showing that there is some stiff competition here in Powys.”

Jones also reserved praise for coach Rhodri Davies in developing the team over the past eight years and said she had high hopes for the future of the women’s game in Powys.

County Times: “Machynlleth and Llanidloes are also developing teams which will encourage more to play and we look forward to some joint training sessions with them,” said Jones.

“It’s great to see children having the opportunity to play rugby in schools and with the Rebels I’m fortunate to play a part in their development as players from a young age.

“The skill set on these girls will be fantastic compared to my own experience not being allowed to play rugby in school. Engagement and participation in the game has increased dramatically and I hope this continues.”