Ffion Lewis to become first Welsh woman at World Cups in both rugby codes
Ffion Lewis will make Welsh rugby history in Australia in October as the first Welsh woman to play at a World Cup in both rugby codes. The 28-year-old played rugby union for Wales at the 2022 World Cup and will now go to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, according to BBC Sport.
For newcomers, dual-code is simple. It means playing both rugby union and rugby league at the top level. Union is 15-a-side with contested scrums, lineouts and rucks, the tussle for the ball on the ground after a tackle. League is 13-a-side and runs on six tackles to advance before possession changes hands.
Lewis knew league before she built her union career. She has returned to league with London Broncos after her time in union came to an end. She was lined up for her first Wales league appearance in five years in a World Cup warm-up match this summer, according to BBC Sport.
Then came the setback that changed her path. She suffered a serious knee injury in Wales' win against Italy in the 2023 Six Nations, the annual European championship. It denied her a place at the inaugural WXV later that year, union's new global women's tournament. The Welsh Rugby Union did not then offer her a chance to renew her contract.
She fought her way back. After rehabilitation she played for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge, the women's regional competition for Wales, Scotland and Ireland. That rugby gave her minutes, contact and confidence again before the full switch back to league.
Wales will be captained in Australia by Bethan Dainton. The women's Rugby League World Cup takes place in Australia in October. Lewis brings previous World Cup experience from union into a league squad preparing for the global tournament.
What makes this stand out is the route, not just the record. Few players come back from a serious knee injury and a lost contract to reach another World Cup. Lewis has done it by changing codes, learning new systems and earning selection all over again.
For fans, this means one name to track across both codes. Union supporters will remember her from the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Six Nations. League supporters will now see how she handles the six-tackle game, where teams have six plays to make ground before handing over the ball.
