Wales Debutant Nikita Prothero Embraces Heritage and Rugby Journey
Nikita Prothero, Wales’ newest rugby cap, openly describes herself as an introvert with a fondness for tattoos. Among the 25 tattoos adorning her body, she highlights one on her forearm featuring the Welsh word "hiraeth." This word, which holds several meanings, symbolizes for Prothero a deep longing for home and for Wales.
"My whole family lives in Wales, but my parents moved to London when they were growing up so we were kind of the English of the Welsh," she explained.
Although born in England and having represented England at the Under-18 and Under-20 levels, Prothero chose to represent Wales at the senior level. Despite the appeal of playing for England, a leading rugby nation, she opted to wear the Welsh three feathers.
"The switch to Wales was kind of non-negotiable in terms of where my journey was at and the relationship I already had with Lynny [Wales head coach Sean Lynn] from being at Hartpury College," Prothero said.
Club Career and Playing Time
Prothero has been with Sale Sharks for three years but has spent most of this season playing for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge. She expressed dissatisfaction with her limited game time at Sale Sharks.
"I was unhappy with my game time at Sharks," she stated. "The season before I played about 20 games and this year I was only on my second so I was - not disappointed because obviously the PWR is world class - but I wanted more from myself as a 23-year-old.
"I want to be playing rugby week-in and week-out and the Championship in England just doesn't provide that kind of level at the moment."
Her performances with Gwalia Lightning caught the attention of Wales head coach Sean Lynn, who included her among nine uncapped players in the Six Nations squad. Prothero made her international debut on the wing during Wales’ away defeat to Ireland last Saturday.
International Debut and Future Ambitions
Reflecting on her first cap, Prothero described the experience as incredible, especially given the challenging context of the Six Nations tournament.
"Getting a cap is unbelievable. I didn't really expect it this early on, especially with the Six Nations being the hardest tournament," she said.
"I was absolutely buzzing and getting my cap in front of my family, my friends, it was really special.
"I'm really happy that he [Lynn] has a belief in me and obviously sees something in me."
Prothero aims to secure selection for Wales’ final Six Nations match at home against Italy on Sunday at 12:15 BST, but she acknowledges she may need to be patient.
"I think they're looking at me as a full-back which might not suit me in terms of getting caps because Kayleigh's [Powell] playing out of her skin," she noted.
"We're very different, she has a kicking game and I'm never going to outdo her on that because I'm just not a playmaker, but I do back myself in terms of my confidence to beat people and my aerial stuff.
"I don't mind not playing as long as everyone has confidence in the people who are playing and I'm doing what's best for the squad.
"If I'm not best for the squad right now, I hope I will be soon."
