A women’s rugby club in Senghenydd is the focus of a new S4C series, after they spent a season being mentored by former Wales star Mike Phillips.
Cameras from the Welsh-language broadcaster were given behind-the-scenes access to Senghenydd Sirens throughout the entirety of the 2016/17 season, as they were guided by the 99-cap scrum-half.
The series, Mike Phillips a’r Senghenydd Sirens, pits the former British and Irish Lion in his first coaching role attempting to overcome the many challenges facing women’s rugby.
Although participation in Wales is on the up, there are still many challenges facing those who play, coach and volunteer for their team every week. Playing on Sundays, five hour away trips and large gaps between matches due to cancellations are just part and parcel of domestic women’s rugby.
Phillips, who retired in June after a season at Sale Sharks, said: “The team has been brilliant and it’s been a pleasure to watch them and to be a part of it.
“They are all characters in Senghenydd and I’ve got to know them well. Coaching them has been a great experience.”
Ann Marie Griffiths, who plays second-row for Senghenydd, added: “Everyone was so excited when Mike came to help us. He wasn’t afraid to coach a wild bunch like us.
“He helped us a lot with our skills and team moves, and everyone learned a lot from him, even forwards like me.”
The ten-part series, which is shown on Wednesdays at 8.25pm, also features appearances from the likes of Wales defence coach Robin McBryde, Wales Women’s head coach Rowland Phillips, and current internationals Cerys Hale, Elinor Snowsill and Lloyd Williams.
Kayleigh Mason, Sirens prop, said: “It was fab. We all absolutely loved it. Having experienced, international coaches like Rowland Phillips, Robin McBryde and Cerys Hale was a massive help.
“I love playing for the Sirens. I can’t wait for training, I can’t wait for matches. It’s just such a nice thing, knowing we’re all there for each other, on and off the pitch. When we’re out of season, Sundays are really boring.”
Captain Keighlee Williams, who also plays for the Dragons, added: “We don’t get paid to play. We do it because we want to and it’s something we really enjoy. It’s not always easy.
“We went 14 weeks without a game at one point. It can be frustrating, but we’re trying to grow the game in Wales. Hopefully this series can help with that and bring in new players to all clubs.
“A lot of people think, ‘I’m too unfit to play’, or, ‘I’m too big’, ‘I’m too small’, but in our team, we’ve got a good blend of people. We all come from different backgrounds but we get on really, really well. Most of the girls are from the area, so it’s nice and local. The rugby club is massive in Senghenydd.”
The third episode of Mike Phillips a’r Senghenydd Sirens is on S4C on Wednesday, September 25 at 8.25pm. English subtitles are available. The previous episodes are available to watch on-demand on s4c.cymru, or BBC iPlayer.
