Rugby player in 1,000-mile-a-week commute to train
BUT IT PAYS OFF AS SHE’S SELECTED FOR SIX NATIONS
● TRAVELLING to Cardiff three times a week to attend rugby training has paid off for a teenager from Anglesey who has been called up to play in the Six Nations tournament.
Molly Kelly, from Rhosneigr, playing in her first year of senior rugby, was selected for the national team earlier this year and is one of the youngest players to be selected for the squad in the Six Nations tournament.
Molly will be part of the national squad who also face Italy, England, Scotland and Ireland in the tournament.
Speaking about her international call-up, Molly said: “I’m honoured to have the chance to represent my country in this year’s Six Nations tournament.
“When my team manager called me to tell me the news, it came as quite a surprise as I’ve only just turned 18.”
Molly, who also just started an apprenticeship with SP Energy Networks, based in Runcorn, admits it’s challenging finding time to work and train.
Her week is a gruelling one. On Monday after work she drives from Runcorn to Cardiff, to attend a two-hour training session, and then drives straight back - arriving at 1.30am and is back at work the next morning.
She does the same routine on Wednesday and Friday – driving over 1,000 miles to do the sport she loves.
“I also have to fit in gym sessions around training and work, so it is very full on,” said the former Ysgol Pencarnisiog pupil.
“It would be a lot easier if like the England women’s team we were all professional players, so we couldn’t have to work and just be able to concentrate on rugby as our skills set would improve so much.
“But this year I think we are going to do really well, we have a very strong and young pack, and there is much excitement amongst the team.”
Wales Women head coach Rowland Phillips said: “I first spotted Molly at the launch of the RGC U18 programme a couple of seasons ago and even then you could see straight away that she had something special.
“She has benefitted from that programme in North Wales and thoroughly deserves her selection.
“I’m excited to see how she progresses through being part of our senior Wales squad environment.”
Molly enrolled as a craft apprentice on SP Energy Networks’ apprenticeship scheme last year after taking interest in the company that sponsors her club side RGC.
Having previously been the captain of the RGC under 18s women’s team, Molly now plays for the RGC senior women’s rugby team.