Women’s World Cup rugby star, 20, dies in car crash
WOMEN’S rugby international Norkett has died in a car crash.
Miss Norkett, 20, from Llandarcy, Neath, was the youngest player in the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup when she turned out for Wales aged just 17.
She died in a two-car collision on the A4109 between Banwen and Glynneath, at 7.40pm on Saturday.
Injuries suffered by a 42-year-old woman and her 12-year-old passenger in the other vehicle were not thought to be life-threatening.
Miss Norkett was in the final year of her sport development degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University and planned to pursue a career in rugby coaching.
Her family described her as “kindhearted and caring”.
In a statement, they said: “She was the youngest player in the Rugby World Cup and had gained four Welsh senior caps at the age of 17.
“Elli also represented Wales at Sevens and was selected for the Great Britain Students Sevens. On the club front she was proud to represent Swansea Ladies and the Ospreys.
“Elli was loved and valued by many people and has touched the hearts of all her family and friends due to her kind nature and endearing personality.
“The family wish to be allowed to Elli grieve in peace at distressing time.”
South Wales Police is continuing to investigate the collision involving Miss Norkett’s silver Toyota Yaris and a silver Vauxhall Insignia. this extremely