Wales Women’s Head Coach, Thomas Brindle, has congratulated Bryonie King after she was awarded a professional contract by the Welsh Rugby Union.

King has played four times for Wales Rugby League Women’s team, captaining the side in the successful European Championship B trophy win in 2022. She played for Cardiff Demons at club level, helping them to win the Betfred Super League South title in 2021 and 2022. Her first exprience of competitive rugby league was with Rhondda Outlaws.

Speaking after the announcement today, Brindle said: “I’d like to congratulate Bryonie on earning a contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.

“Like a lot of girls and boys who pick up a rugby ball, the dream is to play professionally and Bryonie now has that chance, and we’re sure she’ll thrive in that environment.

“While obviously disappointing to lose her attributes as a player and captain to our squad, it is a positive for women’s sport as a whole that there is a pathway into a full-time career. That can only bode well for more women and girls wanting to play rugby – be that league or union.

“Rugby league will always be part of Bryonie’s story, just like Ffion Lewis and Lowri Norkett-Morgan before her. There may yet be future chapters of that story in rugby league for all three of them, who knows?

“What I do know is that we have plenty of talented players in our squad and I’m excited that I’ll have the chance to sit down with one of them and offer them the chance to captain their country against England in November. I’m sure that will add an extra edge to our preparation over the next couple of months.”

The Test match against England will take place on Saturday 4th November at Headingley Stadium, Leeds. Tickets are on sale now.