Wales' Rugby Sisters Making History

In the heart of north Wales, the Nant Conwy rugby club is basking in well-deserved pride. This grassroots club has not just one, but two sets of sisters representing Wales in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. Nel and Branwen Metcalfe, alongside Gwenllian and Alaw Pyrs, have been selected for Sean Lynn's 32-player squad, marking a historic moment for the club and the nation.

The Metcalfe and Pyrs Sisters

For the Pyrs sisters, packing down together is becoming a familiar routine. However, for the Metcalfes, this is a new chapter. Branwen, the Wales Under-20s captain, is yet to make her senior debut, adding an extra layer of excitement to their journey.

Branwen Metcalfe shared her thoughts: "I'm lost for words to be honest, everything that's happened in the past year has been a whirlwind. I haven't trained much with the squad yet, but it's been really great coming into this environment, I'm learning a lot as I go."

Her sister, Nel Metcalfe, expressed her pride: "The family is buzzing. People have asked 'how do you feel?'. I couldn't be prouder. I've seen how hard she has worked, she deserves this."

Nant Conwy: A Community of Support

The journey of these sisters began at Nant Conwy, a community rugby club nestled between the market town of Llanrwst and the village of Trefriw in the Conwy Valley. The club's supportive environment has been instrumental in their development.

Nel Metcalfe highlighted the club's role: "They are always so supportive of us whatever we do. It's just everything about Nant, it's not just a club, it's the whole community, everyone knows each other."

Branwen Metcalfe added: "Growing up we were probably there every day. The club has been such a big part of, not just our journey, but our whole family. It's really nice that we can do this together."

A Catalyst for Future Talent

Nant Conwy RFC chairman Marc Jones celebrated the sisters' achievements with heartfelt sincerity: "Congratulations to the girls, their achievements are down to their total dedication and commitment. Their success is intrinsically linked to their coaches, staff and our whole club ethos."

Tudor Roberts, who leads the girls section, Ceirw Nant, is immensely proud of the girls: "It certainly spurs the young ones on, and shows that the pathway is there and through hard work and commitment it is possible."

Looking Ahead

The siblings will find out if they will play alongside each other when Wales announces its team to face Scotland next Thursday. Their journey from humble beginnings to the global stage is a testament to their hard work and the supportive community of Nant Conwy.

As the standard of girls' rugby in north Wales continues to rise, it's only a matter of time before more young players follow in their footsteps, inspired by the success of the Metcalfe and Pyrs sisters.