It was through her role at the IPO that she first discovered the CSSC Women’s rugby team. “I knew some of the men who I played with in a mixed touch league with play rugby for CSSC, so after a training session I was asked to trial for the Women’s team which I was so excited to get involved in,” she said.

That opportunity afforded her the chance to take part in the very first CSSC Women’s Rugby Festival in Maidenhead in 2023, an event she is looking forward to this year as she’ll go back to her roots in Cardiff. She said: “Regardless of selection, I’ll make myself available. It’s a really great day out and I spent 20 years of my life in Cardiff; it’s an incredible rugby city.”

“Playing at Cardiff Arms Park, in the shadow of an even more iconic venue (Principality Stadium), is something really special, I can’t explain how much I am looking forward to it,” she added.

Despite working a demanding role, rugby remains a constant in her life, and she is fortunate to get to live and breathe both thanks to the flexibility and understanding of her employer.

Beth, who plays ‘Hooker’ said: “The IPO really values people having work life balance and facilitating that wherever possible, within the realms of still getting your job done to the high standards they expect. I’m very well supported.”

She added that the rarity of the CSSC Rugby Festival only happening once a year only makes it more special.

Reflecting on how women’s rugby has evolved throughout her playing career, Beth is inspired by the progress. She said: “When I first started playing, the concept of a professional rugby player was just not something I thought I would see during my time. Social media has been a fantastic gift to women’s sport because it’s allowed us in the back door. We can tell our stories ourselves, so being able to take charge of that has created an environment of real positivity.”

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup currently under way, Beth hopes the momentum translates to increased participation at grassroots level and beyond.  

“There’s got to be opportunities for young people coming through to be able to experience a little bit about what makes you love it. In addition to that, there needs to be visibility from established people in the sport presenting a really favoured image of that to make it more appealing.”

Her message to newcomers is clear: “You can’t wait for people to come to you because there is not enough of us to pull you in. If you see us out there in the world, reach out, get in touch and we’ll see how you can be part of this community because there is truly a place for everybody in rugby.”

Although the CSSC Women’s team is made up of players from all across the country, the bonds they share is limitless.

“We may not train together regularly, but you know there are always people in your corner. People reach out asking questions about things or for general advice. We haven’t got the same level of contact points and structure that you may have in traditional teams but what you do have is a warm, opening and welcoming attitude.

“It’s going to be an incredible experience, not just to play, but to watch too. I can’t wait.”