Caerphilly’s Dainton looking to make history as Leeds Rhinos reach cup final

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Caerphilly’s Bethan Dainton is now just one game away from making history after her Leeds Rhinos side reached this year’s Rugby League Challenge Cup final.

Leeds saw off Wigan Warriors in the semi-finals on Sunday July 23, winning 16-4.

Dainton and her teammates will now face St Helens in the final at Wembley stadium.

If Leeds win, Dainton will become the first Welsh woman to win a Rugby League Challenge Cup.

A Welsh international has been part of a men’s Rugby League Challenge Cup winning side on more than 100 occasions, with many more runners-up.

Wales has also had a Wheelchair Challenge Cup winner in Jodie Boyd-Ward – but if Dainton can win the competition, she would be the first ever Welsh winner of the women’s version.

Dainton has a background in CrossFit, football and athletics and has represented Wales on the track and in cross country.

She began playing rugby union with Newport Gwent Dragons in 2015 and went on to represent Bristol Bears and Harlequins, as well as the Army and UK Armed Forces sides.

Dainton won eight caps for Wales and and played for the Barbarians before switching codes to league with the Army in 2021.

She won two caps for Wales in rugby league in 2022 and signed for Leeds ahead of the 2023 season.

Dainton’s career so far has seen her represent Wales at two Six Nations campaigns in union. However, reaching Wembley will see her playing on her biggest stage yet.

Speaking before the semi-final, Dainton said: “Wembley is the national stadium and it’s so historic, so to see women’s rugby league being showcased on the biggest stage and getting the recognition it deserve is incredible,” she said.

“It shows how far the game has come, to be given a platform and hopefully inspire the next generation.”