The achievements of one of Wales’ most outstanding sports women was celebrated at Dolgellau Rugby Club last Friday evening.
Friends, family and rugby dignitaries gathered at the Marian club house to celebrate Elen Evans seventy three Welsh rugby caps and her long list of achievements in the world of womens rugby. Elen was the first women to score a try at the Millennium Stadium and played in no less than three World Cups.
Amongst the hundred guests present at the club were Dennis Gethin, President of the Welsh Rugby Union along with the evenings MC, former Welsh player Rupert Moon and Welsh Ladies Captain Rachel Taylor.
Many of her past team players made the journey to Meirionnydd to enjoy an evening of recollections and appreciation for what Elen has done for both her club and country over the past seventeen years..
But it was a long hard road to success, something Elen wanted to stress on Friday evening.
Said Elen ‘I could not have achieved what I have had it not been for friends and especially my family who have supported me all these years.’
Her first competitive game in North Wales rugby was at the age of sixteen when she got her mum Catherine, to drive her to Wrexham to play for Dolgellau. Club coach Justin Kelly sent her on ten minutes into the second half only to see Elen put away two tries and seal a win for her team. Her comments after the game were, ‘I think I like rugby and rugby likes me’. Thus began the start of an amazing rugby career.
After that afternoon in Wrexham, Elen went on to play for Wales at Under 19 level and represent Dolgellau, Waterloo, Caernarfon, Scarlets, RGC and gained full international honours in 2004.
Injuries have taken their toll over the years but they didn’t fail to stop her competing in three world cups. During her final international year Elen faced the ‘Haka’ for the third time and ensured that Wales automatically qualified for the next World Cup in 2021. Her final game for Wales was the win against Ireland in Belfast, just as she started thirteen years ago.
Dolgellau Chairman Peredur Jenkins said “Elen is such an amazing example to every sportsman and women in the country and shows exactly what can be achieved in the world of sport”.
Elen was recently chosen for the first ever ladies Barbarians team and played against Munster at Limerick during the autumn. A fully deserved international recognition of her rugby career.
She is now fully committed to Dolgellau Rugby Club and has been instrumental in re-establishing junior rugby at the club and more recently establishing and coaching the girls team.
Said Elen “ My time on the A 470, clocking 800 miles most weeks is finished. I have had an amazing journey in the red jersey of Wales and owe so many thanks to my family, friends, coaches and medical staff who have supported me all these years”. Say no more..
There are no events to show yet.