Shanelle Williams has already fulfilled one childhood ambition after making her Wales debut and now she is preparing for another milestone in Japan. The 19-year-old former Gwernyfed RFC junior came off the bench in Wales' 50-19 win over South Africa in the WXV Global Series in September.
As a child, Williams had written on her Christmas list that she wanted to play for Wales. "I didn't actually know that there was a women's team," the hooker said. "I used to tell my dad that I was going to play for Wales with the boys." She had forgotten about the list until her older sister reminded her after her first Wales Under-18 cap.
Williams started playing rugby at Gwernyfed aged eight, later joining the Red Kites and moving into the Wales pathway. She played for Cardiff Quins and Cardiff Rugby before attending Hartpury College. Her father played a key role, driving her an hour and a half from Gwernyfed to Cardiff for training. "I wouldn't have been able to do it if my dad hadn't given me that opportunity," she said.
Now Williams is preparing to face Japan, ranked 12th in the world, one place below Wales. It will be her longest flight ever. She is determined to add to her Wales cap tally, looking up to role models like Kelsey Jones, Molly Reardon and Carys Phillips. "Being able to train alongside them and get tips from them as well is really beneficial to me," she said.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing