Friends will wear tops to honour Elli

FRIENDS of Elli Norkett will wear matching tops with her initials embroidered in gold at her funeral on Tuesday.

Elli died after her car crashed on the A4109 Inter Valley Road between Banwen and Glynneath last month.

Originally from Neath, Elli played rugby for various women’s teams including the Ospreys and Cardiff Met and was a Wales international.

She has four Welsh caps to her name and was the youngest player at the 2014 World Cup, at the age of 17.

Six Ospreys women players – three of whom are currently in the Welsh squad – are said to be acting as bearers for Elli.

They are said to be planning to wear matching tops with Elli’s initials embroidered in gold.

The funeral will begin at 2.30pm. The family have requested that only family flowers are given.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to two charities – Cancer Research and WRU Charitable Trust.

The family have also said that if anyone would like to wear a rugby jersey they are welcome to.

Last weekend Elli’s team-mates played their first fixture since the young player’s death.

Before the game each player placed a single rose on two of Elli’s shirts.

Elli’s grandfather John Smith, who is a retired police officer, said the memorial match held at Cardiff Arms Park was wonderful.

“They absolutely done us proud. It was absolutely wonderful.

“They came and hugged us and told us to stay in touch. We then took the roses to the crash site.”

John said that he had been overwhelmed with support and received 130 condolence cards. He added that he “will never get over the loss”.

Following the funeral at Margam Crematorium a wake will be taking place at Manor Park Country House in Clydach.