Ffion Lewis has etched her name into Welsh rugby history by becoming the first woman from Wales to represent her country at both the Rugby Union and Rugby League World Cups. The 28-year-old has been selected for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will take place in Australia.
Lewis’s path to this moment has been far from straightforward. After representing Wales at the Rugby Union World Cup in 2022, she faced significant setbacks that threatened to derail her rugby career entirely. A serious knee injury required recovery and rehabilitation, while a subsequent lack of contract renewal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) left her future in the sport uncertain.
From Setback to Selection
Rather than accept these obstacles as the end of her rugby journey, Lewis made the bold decision to switch codes and pursue rugby league. She signed with the London Broncos, a move that would ultimately prove transformative for her career. Her performances in the thirteen-a-side game impressed selectors enough to earn her a place in Wales’s squad for the upcoming world tournament.
Reflecting on her journey, Lewis revealed the mental strength required to navigate such adversity. “It’s been a journey this last few years, been very tough, but I knew I had a goal in mind and didn’t want to give up on myself, just having the opportunity to go out and play,” she said.
Historic Achievement
Lewis’s selection represents a watershed moment for Welsh women’s rugby. Her dual World Cup appearances span both codes of the sport, a distinction that underscores her versatility and determination. The milestone also highlights the growing opportunities available to female rugby players across different formats of the game, as women’s rugby league continues to develop at the international level.