World Cup Beckons for Wales' Ffion Lewis After Injury Comeback

Welsh rugby player Ffion Lewis, who was part of the Wales union squad at the 2022 World Cup and was set to feature in the inaugural WXV tournament a year later, is now closing in on a new milestone — a place at the rugby league World Cup.

Lewis's career was derailed by a serious knee injury sustained during the 2023 Six Nations as Wales beat Italy. After recovering, she played for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge, though without a contract from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

Refusing to walk away

Following the injury, Lewis considered stepping away from rugby entirely but decided against it. She explained that, at just 28, she felt she still had plenty of time left in the sport and did not want her career to end because of someone else's decision. She set herself a goal of returning to play in whatever form of rugby presented an opportunity. When the chance to switch to rugby league arose, she took it fully, hoping the decision would pay off.

The squad

Lewis has been named in the Wales women's rugby league squad, alongside captain Bethan Dainton (Wigan Warriors) and players from clubs including Cardiff Demons, London Broncos, St. Helens and Huddersfield Giants, as well as several players from Australian league clubs.