The programme supporting pre-elite female rugby players
Here at Swansea University, we facilitate one of three Welsh Rugby Union Player Development Centre’s (PDC) in Wales. The PDC aims to focus on the development of women and girl rugby players across Wales who are playing to a high level, and support’s the gap between development and elite rugby.
Jointly funded with the WRU, the PDC programme delivers high-quality training to pre-elite women and girl athletes aged 16-25. We caught up with a few of the players to capture their thoughts on the PDC and tell us how they feel the programme has supported them in developing their rugby career.
Name: Ciara Taylor
- Study: A levels
- PDC player since: March 2024
How has the PDC helped develop your rugby skills?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Welsh Rugby Union coaching staff, as well as the PDC coaches, who have tailored a training programme to help me work on skills, strength and speed form which I feel there’s been a great improvement.
What opportunities has the PDC provided for you?
Being a part of the PDC has meant that I was still able to stay involved and motivated even when missing out of selection for this year’s 6 nations, which has now given me the chance to be involved in Wales ID sessions.
What has been your highlight since being in the PDC?
PDC has given me the opportunity to train with a large group of girls who are like minded and have a huge passion for rugby. Training with people I haven’t met before is fun and has pushed me to work even harder. There is always someone to train with and someone professional to guide me. Also, having the opportunity to have been coaches by Ioan Cunningham and Lisa Burgess was an unreal experience.
Name: Finley Jones
- Study: Teaching Assistant
- PDC player since: October 2023
What opportunities has the PDC provided for you?
PDC has provided me with continuous access to the gym and skill sessions. I can have one to one meeting’s with coaches and constant feedback from games and training. PDC has helped with managing load and given a small insight to what elite training would be like.
What has been your highlight since being in the PDC?
Learning new skills and a developing better understanding around the technical and tactical elements of the game which has allowed me to start alongside Alex Callender and Sioned Harries, Welsh international rugby players, when I represented Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge.
What is your favourite part about being in the PDC?
Being pushed to be the best. Lloyd has my best interest and pushes me to always be the best.
Name: Lowri Hill
- Study: GCSE’s
- PDC player since: March 2024
How has the PDC supported you in your studies alongside your training?
During my GCSE exams, the PDC has been flexible and has gone hand in hand with my revision. PDC also helped me to find an even balance between my training and revision for my exams. The coaches at the PDC were also understanding if I had to miss some training sessions as I had an exam the next morning.
What has been your highest sporting achievement since being in the PDC?
Since joining the PDC my highest sporting achievement has been starting for the U17’s Ospreys team following the U18s regional block
What has been your highlight since being in the PDC?
Since joining the PDC my highlight has been hitting new PRs in the gym and seeing how much I have improved since starting PDC. I have enjoyed pushing myself every week to achieve the best I can and make the most of this opportunity. This has been my highlight as when I started, I had no experience so being able to make these developments in such a short space of time means a lot to me.
Name: Megan Fisher
- Study: BSc Applied Medical Science
- PDC player since: January 2024
How has the PDC supported you in your studies alongside your training?
PDC has been really supportive and flexible around my studies, appreciating that my degree comes first and rugby works around it. It has helped me figure out how to balance the two.
What opportunities has the PDC provided for you?
PDC has allowed me to play for Wales U20s and given me the opportunity to continue playing a high standard of rugby, even as I move away from Swansea.
What do you do alongside your training at the PDC?
Alongside PDC, I have my degree, I work part time at St Helens rugby club, I am in the army reserves and I also captain Swansea Uni.
What has been your highlight since being in the PDC?
The highlight of PDC is getting to know a wide variety of girls from all ages, watching everyone improve and seeing what the future of Welsh rugby has to offer.
It’s been an exciting few months for the female rugby players at the PDC, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the athletes! Learn more about the PDC and it’s impact here.