Hengoed’s Bethan Dainton named Wales rugby league captain

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Hengoed’s rugby league star Bethan Dainton has been named as Wales’ new captain ahead of upcoming internationals against France and England.

The 35-year-old Leeds Rhinos player made her international debut against England in 2022, becoming the fourth woman to earn caps in both league and union codes for Wales.

Dainton 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 signed for Leeds Rhinos in 2023 and was part of the team that reached the Super League Grand Final, as well as the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

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

She will lead her country out for the first time in Carcassonne, southern France, on Sunday October 29, before returning to Leeds as England host Wales on Saturday November 4.

“Pulling on the red jersey is pretty special, but to captain my country, be the one to lead out the team and sing our national anthem will be the pinnacle of my career and the greatest honour,” said Dainton.

She added: “I’m really looking forward to getting some international rugby league under our belts as we’ve not had a fixture since October last year. We know both France and England will be tough encounters and we’re definitely up for the challenge.

“We always talk about how we want to compete and not participate so this will be a great opportunity to play the best teams and see where we are at as a squad heading into the Rugby League World Cup qualifying campaign, which is ultimately our main goal.”

Wales head coach Tom Brindle described Dainton as “a leader on the field and off the field” and said: “She has played at the highest level consistently and played high-pressure games.

“She always rises to the occasion and delivers on the world’s biggest stages, and will continue to be a great influence on our team as we set to take on two powerhouses of rugby league.”