The Prince of Wales, patron of the WRU, visited Parc y Scarlets this week to celebrate the contribution of current and former Welsh female players to the game in Wales.
In partnership with the WRU, Scarlets hosted a celebration event which brought together former and current international women’s players to highlight the WRU’s “Missing Caps” campaign.
Prince William met members of the current Wales female international team who have recently qualified for the 2025 World Cup, and presented caps and brooches for the WRU’s “Missing Caps” campaign to former players who were historically missed when they played for Wales.
The WRU launched the “Missing Caps” campaign to find players who have been ‘capped’ by the Wales Women’s team during their games from the first Women’s International match in 1987 to the present day. Records from the era prior to the women’s game being fully incorporated into the WRU are incomplete with many player names missing. The campaign aims to ensure that all players who represented Wales in the past receive their place in Welsh rugby history.
The WRU believes there are at least 27 women who represented their country in international fixtures, but never received the symbolic honour of a cap – the token of achievement widely valued and recognised in rugby. The Prince of Wales added his support to shine a light on the campaign as it seeks to find these players or their families and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.
Scarlets President Derek Quinnell presented The Prince of Wales with an engraved “Sosban” to mark his visit to the stadium. The former British and Irish Lions No. 8, who made 369 appearances for Llanelli, outlined the background to the famous symbol and why Scarlets’ famous ‘sosbans’ are still found on its rugby posts today and the Scarlets anthem is sung in the Scarlets changing room by the current playing squad.
The choir of Ysgol Gymraeg Llangennech delighted guests at Parc y Scarlets with an inspiring performance of ‘Sosban Fach’ pitchside to welcome The Prince of Wales to the home of Scarlets Rugby and honour the women receiving their caps and brooches.
Scarlets Managing Director Jon Daniels said: “This was a significant event for us as a club and for our stadium in the heart of Carmarthenshire. We were delighted to support the WRU in helping them
fully honour women who have played for their country since the women’s game began as well as
shining a light on the rise and future promise provided by the women’s game in Wales as we continue to work in partnership across Welsh rugby to inspire girls and young women to take up the game.
“It was a privilege to partner in this landmark celebration and to welcome so many distinguished
guests to our rugby home.”