{"id":87059,"date":"2025-02-20T15:32:50","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T15:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/?p=87059"},"modified":"2025-02-27T16:09:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T16:09:24","slug":"from-sidelines-to-spotlight-the-rise-of-womens-rugby-in-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/sport-health\/from-sidelines-to-spotlight-the-rise-of-womens-rugby-in-wales","title":{"rendered":"From Sidelines to Spotlight: The Rise of Women\u2019s Rugby in Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">With the men\u2019s team at an all-time low, could the 2025 Women\u2019s Six Nations be the turning point for Wales rugby?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0055-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eyes on victory\u2014Anna Davis before kickoff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the floodlights at Cardiff University sports fields, Cardiff faced Exeter in a fierce women\u2019s rugby match on February 19 at 6 PM. Players battled on the rain-soaked pitch as cheers echoed through the stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, despite increasing visibility and fan engagement, funding support and professional development opportunities remain limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cInterest is growing, but that means nothing without real investment,\u201d says Anna Davis, a Cardiff University rugby player. \u201cWe need better facilities, more funding, and actual pathways into professional rugby, not just visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a 2024 Deloitte report, elite women\u2019s sports are set to surpass $1 billion in revenue this year. Social media engagement with women\u2019s rugby now outpaces men\u2019s. However, in Wales, investment in infrastructure and facilities remains insufficient to meet the growing demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1-770x578.png 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1-293x220.png 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1-770x578.png 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/Red-and-Cream-Minimalist-Lined-Customer-Report-Statistical-Graph-1-293x220.png 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, Wales\u2019 men\u2019s rugby team has struggled in the 2025 Six Nations, suffering four consecutive defeats against Ireland, Scotland, England, and France. Now at the bottom of the standings, their poor performance has intensified concerns about the state of Welsh rugby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ian Backland, a Wales Rugby Union (WRU) referee who officiated the match, has witnessed the transformation firsthand. \u201cThe future looks very good,\u201d he says. \u201cThere are more and more girls playing, and WRU is actively encouraging their involvement\u2014not just as players, but also as referees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Backland points out that while support is increasing, skepticism still lingers: \u201cPeople are a lot more accepting of it. I think when it was new, people were a bit skeptical and thinking it was just being done for the sake of equality. But actually, some of the women are very good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0103.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Under the Lights: WRU referee Ian Backland oversees the women\u2019s rugby match at Cardiff University.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Longtime rugby fan Ian James acknowledges the differences between men\u2019s and women\u2019s rugby but insists both deserve equal recognition. \u201cThe physicality differs, but both games are intensely competitive,\u201d he says. \u201cWomen\u2019s rugby should be respected just as much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With men\u2019s rugby facing challenges in Wales, the stage is set for the women\u2019s game to rise. Especially at the university level.&nbsp;Social media, sponsorships, and increased media coverage are slowly shifting the narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, disparities remain in funding, training resources, and game-day attendance.&nbsp;Women\u2019s teams still struggle to access the same facilities and financial backing as their male counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the increased visibility, funding remains a major concern for players.&nbsp;More people are watching us now, but we still don\u2019t have the same facilities or funding as the men\u2019s teams,\u201d says Davis. \u201cRecognition is great, but investment needs to catch up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87083\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87083\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0128-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cardiff vs Exeter: A fierce contest under the lights as players battle for possession.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked if women\u2019s rugby receives the same level of respect and recognition as men\u2019s rugby, Backland is clear: \u201cNo. It\u2019s got to improve. The quality is good, but not quite good enough yet. But as it gets better, then it will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davis, however, is more optimistic: \u201cYeah, there definitely is a gap, but that will come with time,\u201d she says.&nbsp;\u201cIt\u2019s all dependent on spectators and crowds at games. I think there is a gap, but I think it\u2019s shrinking, and it will continue to shrink.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wales Rugby Union (WRU) has made efforts to invest in women\u2019s rugby, introducing more structured competitions like the Celtic Challenge.&nbsp;\u201cWell, WRU have put two teams into this league, so it increases,\u201d Davis says.&nbsp;Yet, gaps in funding and professional opportunities suggest there is still a long way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some progress has been made, the reality of becoming a professional female rugby player in Wales remains uncertain.&nbsp;Many aspiring athletes must balance playing with other careers due to limited professional contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Davis, the dream is there, but it remains distant.&nbsp;\u201cYeah, I\u2019d like to, but I don\u2019t know whether that will happen. It\u2019s a good dream to have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Full professionalization remains uncertain, but players continue to pursue the sport despite the challenges. \u201cWe just play for fun. In the end, it\u2019s about loving the sport,\u201d Davis says. \u201cWithout much publicity, we play because we love it. If opportunities come, great. If not, we still play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This lack of professional pathways could push talent away, limiting the sport\u2019s future. Increasing the number of professional contracts could be a game-changer. \u201cYeah, they should,\u201d Davis says when asked if WRU should offer more contracts for women. \u201cIt\u2019s such a good step having professional contracts, and they are increasing every year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest drivers of change in women\u2019s rugby has been growing fan support.&nbsp;In recent years, women\u2019s sports\u2014including football and rugby\u2014have started attracting larger crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davis sees this shift: \u201cIn the past, men had more interest and more spectators. But in the last year, it\u2019s proven that women\u2019s football and women\u2019s rugby are getting really big crowds and selling out massive stadiums. For example, England women played a rugby game, they sold out Twickenham. So it\u2019s really exciting to see the growth of support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/intercardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/02\/IMG_0123.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ready for the Clash: Cardiff and Exeter players set up for a fiercely contested scrum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mark Evans, watching his daughter play for Cardiff University, believes greater exposure is key. \u201cThey should show more games on TV so young girls see rugby as a career, not just a hobby,\u201d he says. Davis agrees: \u201cMore publicity would bring more fans to the games.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the future, players like Davis are hopeful about the sport\u2019s continued rise.&nbsp;\u201cI think women\u2019s rugby will become an integral part of Welsh sports in the future,\u201d she says. she says when asked if women\u2019s rugby will become an integral part of Welsh sports.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davis is clear about her ambitions\u2014if the opportunity arose, she would play full-time without hesitation. \u201cOh, yeah, I would, if there were opportunities,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With investment, visibility, and fan engagement growing, the next decade could define the future of Wales women\u2019s rugby. For Wales\u2019s rising stars, real opportunity will only come when visibility turns into action\u2014through investment, policy changes, and sustained fan engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cJust go for it, just have fun, get stuck in,\u201d Davis encourages young girls interested in rugby.&nbsp;\u201cDon\u2019t feel embarrassed, go for it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the men\u2019s team at an all-time low, could the 2025 Women\u2019s Six Nations be the turning point for Welsh rugby?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1231,"featured_media":87618,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[110,1126,429,446],"coauthors":[1307],"class_list":["post-87059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sport-health","tag-cardiff-university","tag-games","tag-rugby","tag-six-nations"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - 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