Although Branwen Metcalfe is only 18-years-old, the head coach of the Wales Women’s Under 20s team, Liza Burgess, has chosen the No. 8 from the Llanrwst area as her captain for the Six Nations Summer Series, which will be held in Ystrad Mynach.
Metcalfe has just finished her A-level exams at Hartpury College in Gloucester and the farm girl from the village of Llanrhychwyn hopes to study Environmental Science at Hartpury University this September.
She is the younger sister of senior Wales fullback, Nel – and the fact that her older sister lives in Gloucester is a big help to her sibling:
“I’ve been living on the college campus – while Nel has been living in town – so it’s been really nice to be able to meet up and speak Welsh with her as well. There are a number of Welsh girls in Gloucester – including Gwennan Hopkins, Hanna Marshall, Sian Jones, and Alaw Pyrs – and that’s helped me feel at home there too.”
Branwen Metcalfe captained Wales Under-18s against Italy in 2024 – but due to a serious ACL injury while representing Rygbi Gogledd Cymru – she missed 10 months of last season:
“I’m a determined person – and after suffering a bad injury – I now want to appreciate every opportunity I get even more,” she said.
“I’m extremely proud to have been selected for the squad – but when Liza asked me to be captain after our training session on Saturday – she didn’t have to wait long for my answer! I’m absolutely thrilled – and feel very honoured and privileged to be captain.”
Metcalfe’s real interest in rugby began at Nant Conwy Rugby Club, as her two older brothers, Penri and Siencyn, played for the club. When Nel also took up the sport, it was a completely natural step for Branwen to follow suit.
“Nel and I played together a few times for ‘Nant’ but we haven’t played in the same side since. I really hope that will change in the future. Leusa, my younger sister, already plays for ‘Hwb Ceirw Nant’, and Morus, my little brother represents the club too. Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy is extremely important to us as a family.
“It’s a little hard to admit – but Nel has truly been an inspiration to me – especially the fact that she was able to represent the senior team at such a young age.
“The WRU’s Player Development Pathway makes this possible and shows young girls that dreams can come true. The Player Development Centres have also been key to my personal development – and the future looks bright.
“Even though England’s senior team is particularly strong at the moment – our Under-18s drew with them in the Six Nations this year – so the gap is closing – and the future looks promising for us.”
On Saturday, the Wales Women’s Under-20s Team will take on Ireland in Ystrad Mynach in the first of their three games in the Six Nations Summer Series. Scotland and Italy will be the other opponents on the 11th and 17th of the month.
Naturally, the new squad captain is very much looking forward to the competition.
“Ireland are a very strong team, so that first game will give us a good idea of where we are at the moment,” she said. “The whole squad is excited that we’re playing at home – and as entry to the games is free – we really hope that the Welsh public will come out in droves to support us.”