Following medical advice, Ffion Jenkins has retired from rugby league.
Red Thread number 48, Ffion made her debut against France in 2023 and pulled on the Welsh shirt seven times, including in the history-making World Cup qualifier against Netherlands in 2024.
“It has been an incredible journey and an absolute honour to have represented Wales,” said the 27-year old, affectionately known as ‘Tank’.
“To have had the opportunity to pull on the red jersey, play alongside some of my best friends, and be part of the incredible journey that Wales Rugby League Women have created is something I will forever be grateful for. The legacy this team has built and continues to leave behind is truly special, and I feel incredibly proud to have been a small part of it.
“I have also been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the best coaches in the game, who have had such a positive impact on both my personal development and my playing career. For that, I will always be thankful.
“Tom (Brindle, head coach) has always spoken to us as a group about striving for greatness and, most importantly, leaving the jersey in a better place than we found it. I hope that throughout my career I have been able to do exactly that and make a positive contribution to the team and its journey.
“I am so excited to see what the future holds for the team and to watch them take on the world stage. I have no doubt that the future is incredibly bright, and I will be proudly supporting them every step of the way.
“I will forever be honoured to have had the opportunity to represent Wales Rugby League and to have played even a small part in the history of this incredible team. Pulling on that red jersey has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and it is something I will carry with me forever.”
“Tank has such an inspiring story, and it’s incredibly tough to see her dealt this blow on the eve of the World Cup. Sometimes sport just isn’t fair,” said Brindle.
“Since Tank first came into the programme, she set herself two clear goals: first, to earn a shirt, and then to earn her place in a World Cup squad. The work she has put in to reach this point has been exceptional. When you see the consistency she has shown over the last three years, it can be easy to overlook just how much work she has done to put herself in a position to understand, develop and compete physically at the highest level.
“Tank’s effort, determination and commitment to date are an inspiration to the whole squad, and her journey is something we will carry forward into the World Cup. Without this recent injury, there is no doubt she would have been on that plane.
Tank has been, and will continue to be, an important part of the story and journey of Wales Rugby League in the women’s game. We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved and grateful for everything she has given to the programme.”
