Army Rugby Stars Receive Wales Call-Up

British Army rugby union duo Bombardier Bethan Dainton and Captain Gemma Rowland have been called up to the Wales Six Nations training squad.

Bdr Dainton, who plays for Harlequins, last played for Wales for five years ago, with a serious injury meaning her international career took an enforced break.

Meanwhile, Capt Rowland, who recently switched from Wasps to Bristol Bears, has played 17 times for her country since debuting in 2015.

The Six Nations competition begins on 3 April 2021.

Speaking about the call-up, Bdr Dainton said: "It was really unexpected if I'm being honest, but I'm absolutely delighted with the opportunity to get back in the mix with everyone else.

"It would mean everything to stand there side-by-side with the girls and just sing the anthem again."

She also believes she is better prepared for the international game at this stage of her career compared to her stint with Wales when she was younger.

She explained: "I think I understand the game a lot better than I did when I first got my cap.

"So I think now I'm in a better position."

Neither of the Royal Artillery pair will be able to line up at Twickenham this season for the Army as the 2021 Inter Services Championships have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Bdr Dainton revealed there is plenty of service rivalry in the civilian game. She said: "There's a lot of players in the RAF, Army and Navy at the minute playing in the Premier 15s division.

"So it's not all bad."

The Director of Women's Rugby at the Army, Major Charlie Maxwell, sent her congratulations to both players for their call-ups.

She told the Army Rugby Union website: "Gemma and Bethan – and indeed all of our players across the various clubs in the Premier 15s – have responded superbly, combining their work in the Army with their rugby, and it's been pleasing to see their progression.

"I know that everyone in the ARU will wish them every success for Wales in the upcoming Six Nations, and that they will be proud representatives of Army Rugby."