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A young rugby star from New Tredegar is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

Lily Hawkins, 18, has been selected for the Dragons Academy at Coleg Gwent, having first caught the attention of academy coaches while in Year 11 at Idris Davies School.

The scrum-half has spent the past two years balancing training with her studies. During this time, she been called up to the Wales Women’s under-18s squad for the past two Six Nations campaigns, while playing for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge League.

Off the field, Lily helps coach the U14s girls’ side at New Tredegar RFC, and supports young players through Coleg Gwent’s Under Future Programme, which promotes grassroots participation.

“Rugby has always been a huge part of my life, and I feel so lucky to play the sport I love at such a high level,” said Lily.

“Rugby is a big part of Welsh culture, and it would be great to not only see more women and girls playing the game, but also for the women’s game to get the recognition it deserves.”

Coming from a family of rugby players, Lily grew up supporting her parents on the sidelines and began playing from the age of six.

Lily now plans to continue her training while finishing her A-Levels in Biology, PE and Welsh Baccalaureate, before going on to study Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

In the future, she hopes to balance her rugby playing with a career in sport management or fitness.

Scott Matthews, Dragons Academy coach said; “As her coach at the Female Rugby Academy at Coleg Gwent, I could not be prouder of Lily and everything she continues to achieve.

“Representing Wales U18s a year early while still in Year 11 was a remarkable milestone and a clear reflection of her talent, dedication, and maturity beyond her years.

“Her recent selection for Gwalia Lightning seniors is another outstanding accomplishment and fully deserved.”

Matthews continued: “Lily epitomises everything we look for in our academy players – an exceptional mindset, meticulous preparation, coachability, work ethic, and high-level skill.

“She leads her peers through her actions both on and off the field, excelling academically while inspiring those around her with her standards and humility.”

He added: “We are incredibly proud of Lily, as we are of all our learners and their achievements, and she is a shining example of what our programme stands for.”