The club supports 150 members through a variety of tiers including performance, pathway and recreational programmes. We provide opportunities for players to reach their full potential as players but also engage in placement opportunities that compliment their academic studies. The club programme provides an inclusive and diverse environment built on a foundation of social connections and values that promote the high standards we at Cardiff Met strive to uphold both on and off the field..
Achievements
- First ever Womens BUCS Super Rugby Champions
- 10 x National championships
- Number of international alumni including World Cup 2025 winners
Our Rugby Offer
If selected as one of the 46 players in our Performance or 23 players in our pathway programme, you’ll gain access to: Opportunities to play at the highest National BUCS league. Strength & Conditioning in Archers Performance Centre. Lifestyle, Education and Nutritional support from full-time staff Physiotherapy & Injury Prevention Services from full-time staff Broadcast Coverage / Media exposure across.
Performance
At Cardiff Met Women’s Rugby we make it our mission to support, develop and further the achievements of female athletes to elite performance standards. We focus on the individuals journey through a tailored system and approach of coaching and support services focused on the athlete and their long-term development as people, students and players. We foster and environment that creates meaningful connections between staff, placements and players allowing all involved to be part of a culture of learning and resilience.
“Being part of Cardiff Mets Dual Career Athlete programme has allowed me to balance my ambitions on the rugby pitch alongside my academic degree. The support network allows me to push myself in both areas without compromise. Having been involved with Harlequins, the Celtic Challenge, and the Welsh setup, I’ve experienced some great rugby environments, but what stands out at Cardiff Met is the sense of professionalism and community. Cardiff Met challenges you to grow as both a Person, Student and an Athlete. I’m excited to be working for my degree while continuing to compete at a high level.”
Freya Bell BSc (Hons) Sport, Physical Education & Health
Head to the Cardiff Met Performance Sport page for information about our Performance Sport Offer Policy – Click Here
Head to the Cardiff Met Performance Sport page for information about our Performance Sport Scholarships – Click Here
WRU Player Development Centre East
Overview
Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be one of the three Welsh Rugby Union’s Player Development Centres (PDCs), dedicated to supporting the development of high-potential female players across Wales and helping them achieve their ambitions to become elite rugby players.
The programme enables our female rugby players to access a high-performance development environment, inspiring them to play for Wales at the Test level.
The PDC is jointly funded by the WRU and surrounding partners and is committed to advancing the women’s rugby game by delivering local, high-quality training and coaching programmes for high-potential, pre-elite female players. The PDC is a critical stepping stone for female rugby players aiming to achieve international honours and represent Wales.
Success Stories
The impact of the PDC is already evident, with several remarkable achievements:
- 6 players competed for Wales U18 in the Six Nations Festival, showcasing their skills on an international stage.
- Molly Reardon and Gwennan Hopkins both received their first Senior International caps during this year’s Six Nations tournament.
- 10 players were selected for the Wales U20 training squad.
Programme Goals
The PDC will:
- Identify and support the development of high-potential, pre-elite female players aged 16 to 25 through a tailored programme addressing the needs of the player, performer, and person.
- Prepare players for the demands of elite-level club rugby (Celtic Challenge or Allianz) and full-time international rugby with Wales.
- Create a pathway to Welsh national teams, empowering players to compete and win in major tournaments.
- Ensure players’ educational needs are seamlessly integrated into their rugby development, supporting dual career aspirations through academic and vocational education opportunities.
BUCS Super Rugby
