From Flames to Fame: The Jenni Scoble Story

Image caption: Jenni Scoble charging forward for Wales against England (Credit: Huw Evans Agency)

At 32, Cardiff-born Jenni Scoble is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete. The Wales prop isn't just making tackles in the Women's Six Nations – she's also battling blazes as a full-time firefighter with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The Fire Within

Scoble joined the fire service in 2023 after years of hesitation:

"I held off from going for it and then just had the confidence one year to have a go," she told BBC Sport Wales. "It's an incredible career that doesn't feel like work, despite the tough days."

She follows in the footsteps of rugby-firefighting pioneers like Naomi Thomas and Shona Powell-Hughes Wakley, proving the pitch and the fireground demand similar courage.

Six Nations Breakthrough

Scoble has emerged as Wales' surprise package in 2025:

• Started at tight-head in opening two matches
• Scored her first-ever try against England (a seismic moment at Principality Stadium)
• One of few Wales-based players in an England-heavy squad

Career Highlights:

• Began at Llandaff North RFC
• Played for Gwalia Lightning in Celtic Challenge
• WRU Women's South Wales Cup winner (2022)

The Ultimate Balancing Act

While most teammates are WRU professionals, Scoble juggles:

• Fire service shifts (requiring colleague support for coverage)
• National team camp commitments
• Intensive training regimes

"Both organizations have been incredibly understanding," notes Scoble, though she may need extended leave for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Transferable Toughness

The firefighter credits her service training for rugby success:

1. Mental Resilience: "Training for emergencies helps me stay calm under pressure."
2. Physical Fitness: Fireground demands mirror rugby's athletic requirements
3. Teamwork: Watch rotations teach squad cohesion principles

Inspiring the Next Generation

Though humble about her trailblazing status, Scoble acknowledges:

"It's amazing that young girls see women can fight fires and play elite rugby. Sometimes I pinch myself realizing I'm living both dreams."

Next Challenge: Wales vs France in Brive (12 April) – where Scoble's fireproof mentality will be tested against Les Bleues' formidable pack.