Army stars Dainton and Mullen ready to lead Wales in historic Rugby League World Cup debut
British Army stars Bombardier Bethan Dainton and WO2 Jade Mullen are set to make history for Wales as both prepare to step out for their first-ever Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
For both Bdr Dainton and WO2 Mullen, the upcoming World Cup isn't just another tournament, it represents the pinnacle of a journey rooted in military discipline and world-class sporting prowess.
Speaking exclusively to BFBS ahead of Saturday's opening match against England, the pair reflected on their journey to their first World Cup and how military life has shaped their performance on the biggest stage.
'An unreal experience'
For team captain Bdr Dainton - who has taken a few years away from her Army duties to focus on the World Cup – leading the national side onto the world stage remains a surreal moment that is only just beginning to settle in.
"I think I'm just super excited at the minute," Bdr Dainton said.
"It hasn't properly sunk in until we get to the stadium on Saturday but, yeah, I think it's going to be an unreal experience and something that we've never experienced before."
Wales enter the tournament for the first time in their history with a blend of proven international leaders and energetic new faces.
Despite six squad members joining the ranks ahead of the global showcase, Dainton insists the group has bonded effortlessly.
"The mood's really good, everyone's gelled really well this week," she added.
"We've got six new players and it's like they've been with us the whole time. We've done all the hard work now, so we just need to put it into practice."
Bdr Dainton credits her development over the recent club season with Wigan Warriors for giving her full confidence as she prepares to anchor the Welsh pack.
"I've developed a lot this season; I think it's very different to how I was playing at Leeds [Rhinos]. So yeah, I've got a lot more in my bag as a player, I think," she noted.
Both Bdr Dainton and WO2 Mullen have bags of experience playing together in Rugby Union. The pair both played for Premiership club Harlequins whilst also playing for the British Army and the UK Armed Forces' rugby teams.
Both WO2 Mullen and Bdr Dainton played in the historic Army v Navy fixture in 2022, where the women's game was played at Twickenham for the first time and where WO2 Mullen served as team captain and Bdr Dainton as vice-captain.
The secret code switch
While Bdr Dainton brings substantial league experience, WO2 Jade Mullen's journey to the World Cup squad has taken a remarkably swift and converse path.
The Army rugby union captain only earned her initial league cap for Wales against Canada in July, but behind the scenes, the groundwork has been laid long before.
"I actually started pre-season with London Broncos back in January," Mullen revealed.
"So, whilst I was playing union, I was secretly training rugby league int he background and trying to get my knowledge and understanding of the laws for league compared to union, just not really telling anyone!"
That background work paid off handsomely, helping Broncos to title success and earning Mullen her place on the plane to Australia.
Having captained the Army side at high-profile venues like Twickenham, Millen expects her big-match experience to be a stabilising factor.
"I think I'm probably a nice addition to the team – quite level headed, been in big crowds, played high-level rugby," she explained.
"I think quiet leadership in the background to help the leadership team this year and the players around and just add any advice that I can give as someone who's probably senior in age and senior in experience."
Dual roles: soldier and athlete
Representing both their national team and the British Army demands extraordinary dedication. When asked how military service shapes their athletic careers, both players agreed that two roles feed directly into one another.
"I wouldn't be as good of a soldier if it wasn't for rugby, and vice versa," WO2 Mullen reflected. "If it wasn't for what I get taught being a soldier, I wouldn't be as good of a rugby player as I am. They both help each other."
For Bdr Dainton, who took up rugby only after enlisting, the military foundation was the spark of her entire sporting path.
She said: "I never played rugby before in my life until I joined the Army.
"So for me, the Army is just massive in where I've gone in my career, and to do it with Jade as well, it's just super special."
Wales kick off their World Cup campaign on Saturday 17 October, as they look to leave an immediate mark on the global stage.
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