Kayleigh Powell awarded Wales Women retainer contract

Powell, 22, has earned five caps since her full Wales debut against Ireland in 2019 and has fought back to fitness and form after a series of injuries last year.

She works as a participation officer for Ospreys in the Community and retainer contract means she has been able to shift from full-time to part-time in that role. She first started playing at Llantrisant Primary School, Llantrisant RFC and then Pencoed Phoenix and has featured heavily in Wales Women age grade and senior sevens sides.

Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said: “We were keen to chart Kayleigh’s progress since returning from injury and it was great to see her in our camp last week. She’s got a good kicking game and distribution skills and gives us balance within our back three."

BACK WITH A 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆! 💥@KayleighPowel 💫#BRIvWAS | #BristolBearsWomen pic.twitter.com/Nv3aIE3jSj

— Bristol Bears Women (@BristolBearsW) November 28, 2021

Powell added: “It feels amazing to finally get some more time to dedicate to rugby. It’s still my dream to get a full-time contract but this is a fantastic step in the right direction.

“Ospreys in the Community have supported me so much throughout my rugby career and they’ve allowed me to drop some days in order to take up this opportunity.

“It’s been a tough journey over the last year or so but I’ve also enjoyed that challenge in a way, knowing how hard I had to work but also knowing the rewards could be there if I did. At the training camp last week I wanted to prove what I could do and I’m so pleased the coaches have put their faith in me.

“My targets now are to get back to match fitness and develop my skills across the pitch from tackling, kicking and catch-pass.

“I was lucky with my rugby pathway coming through mixed mini rugby with Llantrisant then Pencoed Phoenix girls teams before being picked up by Ospreys U18 and Wales Sevens U18 sides and then the senior setups. But I know it can be tough sometimes growing up and these contracts show young girls what they can do if they want to. When I meet girls through my work I advise them to take every opportunity that comes their way be it to play rugby or other sports too.”