Rugby star PC Hannah Jones.

A Dyfed Powys Police Federation member says she is ‘massively proud’ after helping Wales qualify for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

PC Hannah Jones, who made her debut for the team last year after impressing her club side, Cardiff Demons, played an important part in their two recent qualification wins over Ireland and the Netherlands.

Wales beat Ireland 28-10 in a home match at Cardiff University on 27 April before travelling to Purmerend, near Amsterdam, to face the Netherlands on 22 June, where Hannah scored a try to help them on their way to a 48-6 victory.

Hannah, whose position is second row, said: “I’m so happy with the huge achievement of our team. It will really help put rugby league on the map in Wales, with rugby union being so popular and established.

Tough matches

“We have a great group of players, and we’ve worked so hard to get to this point, including doing incredibly well in two very tough matches.”

The upcoming World Cup, set to be held in Australia, will be Wales’ first appearance at the tournament, and Hannah says her target now is to make sure she is still in the squad in two years’ time.

She added: “I’m going to keep working to give myself the best shot at being there in Australia. It would be the highlight of my rugby career and a very special experience for me.”

The 30-year-old also thanked her Force for its support as she balances police life with commitments as a semi-professional athlete.

“It means a lot to have that support network, both in terms of practical things like annual leave and the emotional side with encouragement and messages of congratulations.

“It allows me to take on the greatest privilege possible – representing your country,” she said.

Honour

Talented forward Hannah has also been part of the women’s team for British Police Rugby since 2018. The team typically have matches two or three times a year and went on tour last November to play in the annual Dubai Sevens tournament, a variant of rugby union featuring seven players instead of the usual 15 and seven-minute halves as opposed to the standard 40.

Hannah says the opportunity to represent the police force through her sport, which she began playing as a 21-year-old at university, is another significant honour.

“I have to balance the Wales team with my job, but with British Police Rugby, the two are combined. I really enjoy playing for them. It’s always a great pleasure to meet up with my teammates and join together with fellow officers to play the sport I love,” she ended.

Hannah’s next match for Wales is against England in November at AMT Headingley Stadium, Leeds.