Dainton becomes first Welsh player in women’s Rugby League Challenge Cup final

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Hengoed’s Bethan Dainton made history on the weekend when she became the first Welsh player to play in a women’s Rugby League Challenge Cup final.

However, she was unable to become the first Welsh player to win the competition, after her Leeds Rhinos side were beaten by St Helen’s at Wembley Stadium.

The Merseyside outfit ran out 22-8 winners on Saturday August 12.

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 the wait for a Welsh winner of the women’s version goes on.

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 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 saw her play on her biggest stage yet.