A COLWYN Bay woman has been picked to lead out Wales at this year’s Six Nations tournament.
Former Colwyn Bay RFC player Rachel Taylor, 29, has been appointed captain of Wales women for the second successive year as they prepare to get their campaign underway next month.
Rachel, from Penrhynside, said: “It’s really an honour to be made captain again.
“There is quite a lot of responsibility, but there are quite a few leaders in the team, and we’re quite open and honest about things, which makes things easier.”
Rachel, who now lives in Bristol, where she works as a veterinary nurse, reckons the women’s game has made big strides over the last decade.
She said: “We’re still amateurs and we all have full time jobs, but the women’s set up has changed so much over the last few years.
“There’s a lot more interest now.”
She added: “It’s a really good time to be involved, with the men playing at the same time, and we’ll be down in Aberavon Rugby Club for the first time, so hopefully we can get some good support down there.
“It’s quite a big build up, and it’s always quite exciting.
“We’re looking forward to starting, we’ve been training well and we’re in a confident mood.”
Wales’ women take on Aberavon RFC at 1.30pm on Sunday February 3.
Read about the Under 20s men’s team at Eirias Park on the back page of The Pioneer.