Joyce Sisters Commit to Welsh Rugby After Six Years in England
International rugby players Jasmine Joyce and Alisha Joyce have confirmed their decision to continue their rugby careers in Wales for the upcoming season. Both athletes, who are married, recently concluded their tenure with Bristol Bears, a club in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), where they played for six years.
Their next phase will involve competing in the Celtic Challenge, most likely representing Llanelli-based Brython Thunder, a team for which they made their debuts earlier this year. This move also aligns with their desire to spend more time with their son, Ralphie.
"This has not been an easy decision but one we have made for family reasons," said Wales flanker Alisha Joyce. "The travel to and from Bristol to train and play is not ideal when you have a young family and we know we need the support network provided by our families and friends to bring up Ralphie."
Wales wing Jasmine Joyce added, "It was a decision we have not taken lightly but was the right one for us as a family. Our son Ralphie is at the centre of our decision-making now and we want the best for him while maintaining our rugby careers as professional athletes."
Jasmine, a three-time Olympian, emphasized their ongoing ambitions, stating,
"We are both still very ambitious and feel we have things to prove at club and Test level with Wales. Both of us have always wanted to play a high standard of club rugby in Wales but we have never had that opportunity until now."
Welsh Rugby Union's Strategic Moves
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has expressed interest in expanding its presence by entering a team into an enlarged Premiership Women's Rugby competition. This initiative aims to retain Welsh talent and provide more competitive opportunities domestically.
The WRU is also focused on curbing the trend of players moving to England for club rugby, which has been a concern for Welsh rugby development.
Welsh Coach Welcomes the Joyce Sisters' Return
Wales head coach Sean Lynn has welcomed the return of the Joyce sisters to Welsh rugby. He encourages more players, particularly those receiving limited playing time in the PWR, to consider returning to Wales.
Last season, international players Gwen Crabb and Natalia John led this trend, and more players are expected to follow suit.
"The fact that Alisha and Jaz have taken this decision after playing in the Celtic Challenge shows they have faith that we can provide them with the platform to further their club and Test careers," said Lynn. "Their experience will be a real benefit to emerging players."
Dave Reddin, WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, highlighted the significance of the Joyce sisters' move, stating,
"It won't be lost on anyone that this is something they could not have done before and demonstrates the investment made by the Welsh Rugby Union in providing high quality cross-border rugby in Wales."
Reddin also noted the WRU's formal interest in entering a Welsh team into an expanded PWR, describing it as a "really exciting option" for the future of Welsh women's rugby.
