Army star Bethan Dainton named captain of Wales Rugby League

Dual-code Army rugby star Bombardier Bethan Dainton has been announced as the new captain of Wales Rugby League.

Bdr Dainton, who has capped for Wales in both rugby league and rugby union, will lead her country out for the first time in Carcassonne on Sunday, where Wales will face France before returning to the home of her club, Leeds Rhinos, for a match against England on 4 November.

Speaking to Wales Rugby League, the Army player said that being named captain is "the greatest honour".

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She said: "Pulling on the red jersey is pretty special but to captain my country, be the one to lead out the team and sing our national anthem, will be the pinnacle of my career and the greatest honour.

"I am grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to the challenge but, for me, nothing really changes.

"I like to drive standards on and off the pitch and pride myself on leading from the front whilst also enjoying the process and not taking myself too seriously."

She added: "I truly believe in creating a positive environment to allow others to grow and express themselves."

Head coach of Wales Women's Rugby League, Tom Brindle, added: "Bethan is a leader on the field and off the field. She has played at the highest level consistently and played high-pressure games.

"She always rises to the occasion and delivers on the world's biggest stages, and will continue to be a great influence on our team as we set to take on two powerhouses of rugby league."