Fed support helps member shine on British Police Rugby tour

12 February 2026

A dog handler has thanked Dyfed Powys Police Federation and the Force's sports section for helping her take part in a once-in-a-lifetime rugby tour to South Africa.

PC Hannah Jones, who plays back-row forward, represented Dyfed Powys Police on the international stage with British Police Women’s Rugby.

The 10-day tour to Cape Town was self-funded, and Hannah thanked the Federation and Dyfed Powys Police Sports and Social section for their support to help make the tour possible.

She said: “Their support really made a difference. Knowing the Force and the Federation was behind me meant a great deal.”

 

<all pics courtesy of Clare Gelderd Photography>

 

Hannah described being selected in the 32-player British Police squad as a ‘huge honour’.

The tour combined two games with community engagement and charity work.

She said: “It was very exciting. It’s a huge honour to represent British Police and be picked for the tour.

“South Africa is a stunning place and we couldn’t ask for a better, warm place to play.”

Stunning

The tourists played two fixtures against top South African opposition.

The first was against the Sanlam Boland Dames, a team containing several Springbok internationals.

Hannah said: “They were incredible. They had at least nine internationals who played in the Rugby World Cup.

“They were such a well-oiled machine.”

 

 

The second game was against Western Province, one of the dominant teams in South African women’s rugby.

“They were a pretty good standard as well and had a few internationals in the team,” she said.

Hannah played at blindside flanker in both matches.

And, although they both ended in defeat, Hannah produced a strong showing in the two games which were recognised with forward of the match awards, and overall player of the tour.

Cape Town

She said: “We got to play against some of the very best players in the world.

“It was quite surreal to think that I’ve come from a little town in Wales to be playing against international rugby players.”

One of the most memorable parts of the tour was a dedicated charity and community day on the outskirts of Cape Town.

The squad volunteered with a local foundation supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

 

 

The players spent time in a school run largely by volunteers, taking part in activities, learning about the challenges faced by the community, and introducing pupils to rugby. Hannah said: “We taught some of the children to throw a rugby ball and it was great to see how it brought out that team spirit. They were loving it.

“It was really rewarding to spend time with the children and the foundation, and to learn about the work they’re doing.”

Hannah only took up rugby at university.

She said: “I'd never played before, so I thought I'll give it a go.

“It was brilliant. I loved it, and then it just escalated from there.

Flanker

“When I started, I was in the second row. I'm only 5ft 4in but I was one of the taller players.

“I’ve since moved into the back row and predominantly play at blindside flanker.”

Hannah also plays for Wales Police and her local side Bonymaen at rugby union, and for the Wales national team at rugby league.

And now she is looking to establish a Dyfed Powys Police side, and is encouraging officers and staff who are interested to contact her by email.

“Women’s rugby is growing all the time,” she said. “It would be fantastic to see Dyfed Powys Police field its own team in the near future.”

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