Ffion, 23, only started playing rugby 18 months ago. Her training has to fit around her full-time job in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board’s dental training unit at Port Talbot resource centre.
Ffion, who also plays for Maesteg Celtic Ladies and has been in the regional Ospreys select team, said: ‘I’ve only been playing rugby for around 18 months. I used to play netball but the club I was with in Neath stopped and I was looking for a different sport. Someone mentioned they were starting a new [Rugby] team for ladies at Maesteg Celtic. I went along and liked it, and carried on playing.’
Last September, Ffion had a successful trial with the Ospreys, going on to play in all three of its Women’s Regional Championship games. After that she received an unexpected call-up for Wales.
Wales open their Six Nations campaign against Italy at the Aberavon Rugby Club ground on Sunday 2 February, just days after Ffion’s 23rd birthday. She said: ‘I never expected to get this far. I didn’t expect to get in the Ospreys let alone be selected for Wales. I’m really excited.’