By Graham Thomas
Sian Williams has become Wales’ first full-time professional female rugby player.
The flanker, from Wrexham, has been awarded Elite Athlete Status by the Royal Air Force which enables her to play rugby professionally.
While England have been using 20 full-time contracted players since 2014 when they won the Women’s World Cup, 25-year-old Williams will become a trailblazer in Wales after years of players combining rugby with other jobs.
The Worcester player – who is also able to play regional rugby for the Newport Gwent Dragons – is currently based at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire where she is employed by the RAF in logistics.
Williams said: “I joined the RAF because it is an elite organisation and I wanted to actively serve in the Armed Forces to make a difference.
“I am at a point in my rugby career where I want to keep learning and keep getting better. Achieving Elite Athlete Status gives me the time before the next Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 to strive for excellence and do everything in my power to become a world class rugby player.”
A former Wales U20 captain, Williams has won 20 senior caps since making her debut against Scotland in 2011.
WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said: “It is fantastic that the RAF has recognised Sian’s playing ability and commitment to the game in this way.
“As a Union, women’s rugby is one of our key strategic priorities and this recognition can only strengthen the quality of the national team and our efforts to encourage more women and girls to get involved.”
Wales Women head coach Rhys Edwards said, “Sian has made huge strides since first coming to the fore as Wales U20 captain five years ago. Her work rate is second to none and she has shown great leadership qualities as Wales Women Sevens captain.
“She’s become a key member of the team through her own hard work and dedication and becoming a full-time athlete will help her to make further gains in her performance, both physically and tactically.”
The RAF’s senior officer in Wales, Air Commodore Adrian Williams, said: “Fitness, courage and hard work are values we treasure in the Royal Air Force, and they’re equally important in rugby.
“So, we’re proud that SAC Williams is now able to put those qualities to use both in the RAF and as a member of the Wales squad.
“Now that she has Elite Athlete Status she will be able to train full-time to play for Wales while also encouraging her RAF colleagues to enjoy the many sporting opportunities and healthy lifestyle the Service offers. We look forward to celebrating her achievements for Wales in the months and years ahead.”
