Welsh Rugby Union star Alex Callender has recently been awarded as the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association Wales Women’s Player of the Year. Callender, who has represented Wales 38 times, was up against tough competition including Wales captain Hannah Jones and GB Seven Olympian Jasmine Joyce.
The award was presented to Callender before she joined the Wales team for WXV2 in South Africa. Their recent victory over Australia was a historic moment for Wales, and they are gearing up to face the Wallaroos once again in Cape Town on September 29th.
Prior to joining Harlequins in the PWR league, Callender captained Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge. With the 2025 World Cup in England approaching, she is focused on continuing her success on the field.
Being recognized with this award is a significant achievement for Callender. She expressed her gratitude and mentioned how she draws inspiration from previous winners like Alisha Butchers and Sisilia Tuipulotu. Callender credited her success to her late mother, highlighting that she plays rugby in her honor.
Looking ahead, Callender is preparing for a series of challenging Test matches against Australia, Italy, and Japan. She emphasized the team’s goal of securing wins and competing at the highest level, especially with tough opponents like England, New Zealand, and France on the horizon.
The upcoming year is packed with exciting opportunities for Wales, including WXV2, the Six Nations, and the 2025 World Cup in England. Additionally, there is potential for a British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, a groundbreaking opportunity for women’s rugby players.
The prospect of representing the Lions is a dream for many players, including those currently focused on the upcoming competitions. Callender stressed the importance of staying focused on the immediate goals of WXV2 and the World Cup, while acknowledging the significance of potentially wearing the Lions jersey in the future.
As Callender and the Wales team gear up for a challenging and exciting year of rugby, their sights are set on achieving success in the upcoming tournaments and making their mark on the international stage.