0:00:04 > 0:00:07It was invented as a game for gentlemen
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and grew as a man's game.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12One day, my son, you will play for Wales,
0:00:12 > 0:00:16except now the daughters of Wales are doing it too.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18Let's get tough, let's get tough!
0:00:20 > 0:00:24Women's rugby - one day, maybe, but never in our lifetime.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Not even with a man in charge.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30But it has caught on,
0:00:30 > 0:00:34and in our lifetime this is going to be the next big thing.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39So, with access all areas, let's join the revolution.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43The Welsh women in the Six Nations.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45- ALL:- Rugby!
0:00:45 > 0:00:48This is their renewal of old rivalries.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52At the same time, this is their dawn of rugby's new age.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01The launch of the Six Nations,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03as played by men and as played by women.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Every women's game is to be broadcast live for the first time.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09APPLAUSE
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Down the years, sons have followed fathers into the game.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20Now, after a father who played for Wales comes his daughter.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Following Dad onto the field is one thing,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26but going into this spotlight is another.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29This is exposure and scrutiny like never before.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35For the captain of Wales, who is also the daughter of coach
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Rowland Phillips, it is a bit daunting.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It was quite nerve-racking, to be honest, because I'm not really
0:01:42 > 0:01:46used to public speaking in front of that many cameras and interviewers.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51It's a chance for me to promote women's rugby and...
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Yeah, it's just great for us, great for us and great for Wales.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01'I'm quite a reserved person.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03'I don't speak as much as maybe other captains.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06'Maybe that's something I'll learn and come into
0:02:06 > 0:02:09'with more experience as being a leader.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12'But I just like to perform on the pitch and hopefully that will
0:02:12 > 0:02:14'inspire the rest of the team as well to follow.'
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Aberavon, a world away.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Time to reflect on all that is new.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27'It's a bit surreal, really. Never had this much attention before.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29'Twitter at the minute has just exploded.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32'I see my face everywhere, which is a bit weird, really, but, yeah,'
0:02:32 > 0:02:33it's just gone a bit mad.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36Which would be taxing enough,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40but throw in the family connection too...
0:02:40 > 0:02:42'My dad is coach. I don't get any favouritism,'
0:02:42 > 0:02:46but I think because of that fact I work twice as hard as normal,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50because I don't want that to be an excuse for why I'm in the squad.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55'In my own time I love to come down to the beach with the dogs.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58'When I'm not in training or not on game day or not away,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00'it's a good chance to get out of the house and get out from
0:03:00 > 0:03:04'the rugby environment, just come down and switch off.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07'To come away and relax is really good,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09'because when you got back into camp then
0:03:09 > 0:03:12'you feel refreshed and just want to get on with it then.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:21From the beach to the Barn.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24It will be three, two, one.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26On the one, jump.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30The Welsh Rugby Union's National Centre of Excellence.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36The squad of 48 put through their first fitness test of 2017.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Where we sit at the moment is the attitude of wanting to win
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and wanting to improve - I want to beat,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47I want to get selected -
0:03:47 > 0:03:50combined with the ability to play within a team.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52And players who showed that level of hunger,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56that level of desire, are normally the ones that will come through.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Go, go!
0:04:01 > 0:04:02Six weeks of this.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05The squad for the Six Nations will then be announced.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10There will be a cut, 48 reduced to 32.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16'I'm really nervous but I'm a bit excited as well.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18'I'm just going to give it my all.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20'To get into this squad would be amazing.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22I've been trying for two years now'
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and I haven't had a sniff, but this would be amazing.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28'Six Nations is coming up and is just round the corner
0:04:28 > 0:04:30'and I haven't had my cap for Wales yet,'
0:04:30 > 0:04:33so it's a massive day for me and all the other girls as well, because
0:04:33 > 0:04:36there's so much competition at the moment for everyone, every position.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Everyone is fighting for their positions.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49University student Jasmine Joyce.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54And sports development officer Jessica Cavanaugh-Williams.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Barod.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58They've never played a Six Nations game.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02They know better than anyone how tough it is to make the squad.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Two years ago I was hoping to get selected and didn't know
0:05:06 > 0:05:08whether I was going to or not and kind of...
0:05:08 > 0:05:11It was posted online and my name wasn't on it and I was like...
0:05:11 > 0:05:13I was gutted.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15It was tough, not being selected last year
0:05:15 > 0:05:16after putting all the hours in.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19I was devastated, to be honest with you.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I had a few weeks' break, no rugby, no nothing,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and then I thought to myself, "I'm not giving up.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27"I'm going to go again," and that's what I did.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I got fitter, I got stronger.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36There are full-time professional players in the women's game,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38but not here.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41The Blaenau Ffestiniog player is not yet one of them.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44This is old school devotion.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46We've been living on the farm now for four years.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51It's hard, you know, travelling four hours to get to training,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54do a training session and then travel four hours back
0:05:54 > 0:05:57and then do a shift at work the morning after.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02People ask me all the time, "Oh, would you move to Cardiff?"
0:06:02 > 0:06:05I'm like, "No, I always like to come home."
0:06:05 > 0:06:08See, there's nothing will beat all this there.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16Jasmine, from Pembrokeshire, and a student at Cardiff Met University,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19had a taste of the New World at the sevens in Rio.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24It's amazing to actually say that I've gone to an Olympic Games
0:06:24 > 0:06:26to represent team GB.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29To actually just put on the jersey and kind of...
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Obviously the first time I went on I caught the ball and scored
0:06:33 > 0:06:36and then, actually looking up and seeing just everyone there,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38it was amazing.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Now I get the opportunity to show the coaches what I'm capable of
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and hopefully show all the other players as well that
0:06:43 > 0:06:45I'm not just a 7s player, I'm also a 15s player.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48If I was to make the squad this year, it would mean
0:06:48 > 0:06:52everything to me because, basically,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I live to do that at the moment.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57It might be a long shot, it might not,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00but I'm just going to give it my all and try my best, and I'd absolutely
0:07:00 > 0:07:04love to represent Wales in the 15s game as well, and to kind of
0:07:04 > 0:07:08put on a jersey and get my first cap would be another dream come true.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19One last challenge for the squad of hopefuls, the beep test.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Go, go, go!
0:07:21 > 0:07:24The idea is to go from cone to cone and beat the beep.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Turn, shoulders round!
0:07:26 > 0:07:29And the beep gets faster every time.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Dig in, let's get tough! Let's get tough!
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Go, go, go! Go, Adi!
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Go, Adi!
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Go on, Gemma! Go on, Gemma!
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Go on, Mel, dig in!
0:07:51 > 0:07:53APPLAUSE
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Well, it's finally over!
0:07:56 > 0:07:58No, it's OK. We have to do it, don't we?
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Obviously the Six Nations is coming up now and it's a hard time for us.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We've all gone up in our scores, even, like, in the gym
0:08:04 > 0:08:06or squats bench, everyone's improved and especially fitness.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10We were all so incredible then, all gone up three, four scores.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14'We have to keep progressing this team,
0:08:14 > 0:08:15'we have to keep pushing the team,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18'we have to keep testing the players and we have to push them'
0:08:18 > 0:08:21to the limit because a lot of them probably don't know
0:08:21 > 0:08:23where their limit is, anyway,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25so we have to keep pushing it until we find it.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31As part of the pushing process towards final selection,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Coach Rowland has arranged a pair of away international friendlies.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40First destination - Spain.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46A trip to Benidorm to face Las Leonas, the Lionesses,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48the Spanish national team.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51These warm-up games, you can never be too sure how they're going to go,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55but we know that Spain are very fast, very fit.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57We're not necessarily going in and paying too much attention
0:08:57 > 0:08:59to what they do and how to play against them.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01It's more about us.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Selected for the squad in Spain - Jasmine and Jessica.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13This is about more than playing well in this warm-up.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17'Reputations don't mean anything.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20'The only thing that matters is how you play, how you perform,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23'how you behave, how professional you are,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'your discipline - all the values are more important, really.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28'It doesn't make a difference how old you are,'
0:09:28 > 0:09:32how many caps you've got, if you haven't got any caps, whatever,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36if you apply yourself correctly, there will always be an opportunity.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Whatever the bigger picture, playing well here won't do any harm.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50A counterattack and Kerin Lake crossing for the game's first score.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57And then Jess Kavanagh-Williams.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Wales 19 points clear at half-time.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Jasmine's moment, onto the field in the second half.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09What she brings to the game is pace -
0:10:09 > 0:10:14the first of her two tries in Wales's 39 point victory.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I haven't played 15s at this level yet
0:10:17 > 0:10:21so I was just going out there just to enjoy it, no pressure.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Just go out there, enjoy every second of it
0:10:23 > 0:10:25and that's what I did and came away
0:10:25 > 0:10:27with an all right performance and two tries.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Fingers crossed, hopefully I've done enough.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- ALL:- Cymru!
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Back home and back to business.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41The second game of the Six Nations
0:10:41 > 0:10:44will be played here in Cardiff against England.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49England, full-time professionals, against Wales, who are not.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52There is money in the women's game here, but not much.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56The profile is higher than ever, the rewards more modest.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Essentially, Wales are amateur.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03An accommodation between work and sport must be found.
0:11:03 > 0:11:09'There's definitely a massive link between my lecturing job and rugby.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'Lecturing is definitely a professional job.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14'You have to be a little bit of a role model in class.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17'I like to think that my students look up to me
0:11:17 > 0:11:19'and definitely on the rugby pitch,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23'I feel that professionalism is so important.'
0:11:23 > 0:11:29Dyddgu Hywel, full-time lecturer in education studies at Cardiff Met -
0:11:29 > 0:11:31the day job.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34And the night shift - training.
0:11:35 > 0:11:41'Juggling lecture prep and squad sessions takes a lot of my time.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44'Obviously, I have to be organised,'
0:11:44 > 0:11:45when I'm going to get my gym sessions in,
0:11:45 > 0:11:49make sure that I've got time for food shopping, nutrition
0:11:49 > 0:11:51'and then obviously we've got training
0:11:51 > 0:11:53'every night with the Welsh squad.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57'Rugby is definitely a competitive sport,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01'but I can bring that competitive aspect into my work.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03'You know, you have to challenge yourself,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07'you have to be the best that you can in work and in rugby.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12'Teaching is definitely a really rewarding job
0:12:12 > 0:12:14'and I really enjoy my career.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17'Maybe I could develop as a player
0:12:17 > 0:12:21'and be a better player if I could concentrate full-time on rugby,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24'but at the moment, I enjoy having the balance
0:12:24 > 0:12:25'of being in work all day
0:12:25 > 0:12:30'and then enjoying my best hobby as a rugby player after work.'
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Ie, cyswllt llygad...
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Are we ready?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41From Benidorm straight back to the Vale of Glamorgan.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44More of this -
0:12:44 > 0:12:48the slog before the cut to 32.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Preparation for the second friendly away in Ireland.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Who will play?
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Time to shake things up a little.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00WOMEN SHOUT ENCOURAGEMENT
0:13:02 > 0:13:05There's some girls that went to Spain that probably
0:13:05 > 0:13:08aren't in this squad and some girls are here that didn't come to Spain
0:13:08 > 0:13:10so we're giving everybody the opportunity,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12but it's about performing under pressure now
0:13:12 > 0:13:14and delivering the job when they need to.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17This preparation for the Six Nations, it's just key.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18It is tense times.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21You're not guaranteed to be on the sheet itself
0:13:21 > 0:13:24so every single training session, it is a competition and, you know,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27we are really competitive with each other as a squad, but we need that.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29We thrive off that so, you know,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31your position's not safe so you do have to turn up
0:13:31 > 0:13:35day in, day out, not just to the matches, like Spain, like Ireland,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37but every single training session and outside of that
0:13:37 > 0:13:39when we're not together as a squad.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47We're off to Dublin, warm-up match before...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50We've got two weeks before Six Nations.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53We've been a few times to Ireland now.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56They've become a lot more competitive
0:13:56 > 0:13:58in the last four, five years. We were quite close,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00but they're probably just nudging us a little bit now recently
0:14:00 > 0:14:04so it'll be a big challenge for us this weekend, but also, like,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08probably the best prep we can get for the Six Nations, so...
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Off on their travels again,
0:14:10 > 0:14:14the process of gelling players from many places.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Rachel Taylor is from this place, Colwyn Bay.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22'When I come back here, it does feel really safe.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24'Even stuff like the smell of the changing room,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26'it smells like Colwyn Bay Rugby Club.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28'It's recognisable to me, I guess,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30'and that kind of nostalgic feel about it
0:14:30 > 0:14:33'cos it has been part of my life for so long.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36'I got into rugby through my dad and my brother.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39'My mum worked nights in casualty, which meant she slept on a Sunday.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42'It meant that I came down here with my dad and my brother
0:14:42 > 0:14:44'and I can remember sitting down here,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'watching them play and one of the coaches at the time said,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50you know, "Rather than just sitting watching your brother,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52"why don't you come and have a game?"
0:14:54 > 0:14:56So many Sundays later,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00a decade since her first appearance for Wales,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Rachel has won over 50 caps.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08In 2007, I had my first cap against Canada. It was an amazing experience.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11It was really nice just to stand up and sing the anthem,
0:15:11 > 0:15:15and seeing your parents, and it does mean a lot, you know, like,
0:15:15 > 0:15:20my dad drove an awful long way when I was younger just so that I could have an opportunity to play rugby,
0:15:20 > 0:15:24and hopefully given them a little bit back when they see you there.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26We choose this as a choice...
0:15:27 > 0:15:32..but when you look back and you think about how much you have ultimately sacrificed, it's huge.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35You do give up quite a lot of your life for it.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39Maybe the older group remember that more than the younger ones now.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42What they're sacrificing is their time with their loved ones,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45which is probably the biggest thing, I think, that we all sacrifice.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48I think that's probably the bigger thing as I've got older is,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51just realising how important it is to be around my friends and my family,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55but, yeah, I can't really imagine rugby not being in my life.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06Downtime before the game at Donnybrook in Dublin.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Hi, Mum! Hi, Dad!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I've arrived safe in Ireland.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Hi, I'm Shona, I'm 24 and currently single!
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Er, I'm actually 25!
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Covered in...tanning.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Moisturising.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25And tanning!
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Oh, did I mention tanning?!
0:16:28 > 0:16:32A team meeting the day before the game.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Some of the players are late.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40..People are just trawling in, disturbing the meeting.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- Girls, I don't want you to be shocked, I don't want you to be- BLEEP- surprised -
0:16:44 > 0:16:48you have to switch on. I'm asking for about half an hour of your time.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Focus on this. We should have started by now. OK?
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- And then you can- BLEEP- to bed and do what you want. Do you understand?
0:16:54 > 0:16:57We've really got to pull this together.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58It's not good enough, yeah? Yeah?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02We're playing against one of the best teams in the world tomorrow.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- If we want to get up with the best, we've got to- BLEEP- prepare for it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10And on that note...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12good night.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Donnybrook the next day.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20On the terraces,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Rachel Taylor's mum and dad.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24APPLAUSE
0:17:28 > 0:17:33Watching with perhaps a more critical eye, Coach Rowland.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38And his mood? Not about to brighten.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44Ireland go into a quick lead through Nora Stapleton.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51And there's more to come. Claire Molloy, clean through.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53WHISTLING
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Hm. But hang on! What's this?
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Shona Powell Hughes finishing this off.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06And then an Irish sin-binning.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Adi Taviner.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Wales within two points.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14The conversion to level the scores.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Difficult kick.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Not Elinor Snowsill's finest.
0:18:22 > 0:18:2414-12 to Ireland at half-time.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Pause for thought at the interval.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37I've grown to be able to cope with pressure. You know, 34 caps down,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41you do start to get used to the environment and used to the pressure
0:18:41 > 0:18:46but it can still get to you know, you know, if you make a mistake on the pitch or something,
0:18:46 > 0:18:51there's a natural inclination to start worrying about that mistake and thinking about it,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54but you've just got to have that mental strength to think,
0:18:54 > 0:19:00"Right, now, I'm going to box that, move on and make sure the next thing I do is positive."
0:19:00 > 0:19:04The search for players who thrive on pressure.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07It's, you know, the position that controls the game.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09You've got to read the game halfway through
0:19:09 > 0:19:13and you're really the one that implements the tactics that the coaches want you to play with.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Added on top of that is the pressure of being a kicker.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21It's a skill to be able to take a step back from the aggression and the speed of the game,
0:19:21 > 0:19:25and calm yourself down and go through your processes
0:19:25 > 0:19:27and execute that kind of skill,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29but, you know, I love a bit of pressure, so...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37My PE teacher at school, Catrin Edwards, she played rugby for Wales,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40and thankfully started a rugby team,
0:19:40 > 0:19:42so I played a little bit of that, but that was only touch rugby.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46The thought of contact absolutely terrified me.
0:19:47 > 0:19:53It's a strange progression from novice, unsure about rugby's more physical charms,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55to being in control.
0:19:55 > 0:20:02I was so terrifed of getting tackled, I was very fast and I went through a whole session
0:20:02 > 0:20:07without being tackled, which wasn't so good when it came to the match on Sunday!
0:20:07 > 0:20:09I got on the pitch, walked round for a bit, got tackled
0:20:09 > 0:20:13and I was just like, "Oh, my God! That hurts so much!"
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Threw the ball - don't know where that went - I just lay on the floor waiting for the physio to come over,
0:20:17 > 0:20:21and someone ran past and was like, "El, come on, get up. It was just a tackle!
0:20:21 > 0:20:25"There's nothing wrong with you!" So I think it was a very quick lesson.
0:20:25 > 0:20:32And now, eight years in the international game, wearer of the number 10 shirt of Wales.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41For me, playing rugby, it adds to my life, because it gives me such strong friendships,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45cos the bonds you create with your team-mates are like nothing else.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49When you go out there and put your body on the line and go to that dark place with them,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52it just bonds you like nothing else can,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55and for me, that's something that you just...
0:20:55 > 0:20:57you can't really get many other places.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05The second half at Donnybrook.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07A little reshuffle.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09And a different Wales.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11A stronger Wales.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Sioned Harries.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18CHEERING AND SHOUTING
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Into the last quarter, penalty to Wales.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Don't think of that dodgy conversion.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29What dodgy conversion?!
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Pressure. Love pressure!
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Your abilities come through.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43There was only one team in that second half, OK?
0:21:43 > 0:21:45You were in a good place. You were in a really good place.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48The way you were playing was excellent, right?
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Cymru!- Come on, girls!
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Not everyone can stay in this good place.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59The time has come.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Coach Rowland makes the cut,
0:22:01 > 0:22:06and announces the Six Nations squad of 32.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11We are confident and clear in our selection.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13It's always pretty special to be named in the squad.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17You can't take your position for granted, especially this year, we've had new coaches in,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19so it's all been a little bit uncertain,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21but to be named in the squad was a huge honour.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23With so much competition coming through,
0:22:23 > 0:22:25you can never bank your space in the squad,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29so it was a nice little cheeky surprise for a Monday.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33And what about Jasmine and Jess? Have they made it?
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Feeling brilliant. Opened the e-mail.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Butterflies and then saw my name there
0:22:40 > 0:22:42and just still buzzing today.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46I was delighted. I was absolutely amazed I was in the squad.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Now I've finally got my chance to prove to people
0:22:48 > 0:22:49I can play 15s as well
0:22:49 > 0:22:53as 7s and hopefully I manage to get my first cap now.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55'There had been a really hard game at the weekend and
0:22:55 > 0:22:58'a lot of us were sore because we had put our bodies on the line
0:22:58 > 0:23:00'and that was our last chance to go,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03'"Right, we've got to hold our hands up for a shirt."
0:23:03 > 0:23:04'So I was aching,'
0:23:04 > 0:23:07but when that e-mail came through, it made all those
0:23:07 > 0:23:08aches and pains worth it.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09SHE LAUGHS
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Gemma's combination of job and rugby is like no other.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21'Being in the army and playing rugby, I think, go hand in hand.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'The skill sets in both, whether it be working as part of a team,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29'leadership, communication, putting faith in your training whether
0:23:29 > 0:23:31'it be on the field of play or a battlefield,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34'the two have definitely benefitted me.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39'I feel a lot of similarities when I put on my army uniform
0:23:39 > 0:23:42'and when I put on a Welsh jersey or a Welsh strip.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46'Because you know that you are doing something that is
0:23:46 > 0:23:48'bigger than just you.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53'It is an overwhelming sense of pride, but also honour.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55'And I don't think there's any feeling like it.'
0:23:59 > 0:24:01But no question of which came first
0:24:01 > 0:24:04for Captain Rowland of the Royal Artillery.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10'For the first two years, I wasn't able to play rugby because'
0:24:10 > 0:24:13for my year at Sandhurst, it's very intensive and any injury will
0:24:13 > 0:24:15set you back in terms of training.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18'I came straight out of Sandhurst and went straight into
0:24:18 > 0:24:21'pre-deployment training and then deployed to Afghanistan.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23'And then was out there for seven months so, again,
0:24:23 > 0:24:24'couldn't play rugby.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29'But came back and got into the army rugby team, got picked up by
0:24:29 > 0:24:34'Dragons, my regional team and from there got selected for Wales.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38'To make the Six Nations squad is always a huge,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41'overwhelming achievement because it'
0:24:41 > 0:24:42makes all of that hard work
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and all of those sacrifices that we make worth it.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48'And then on the grander scale, there's always the pride and
0:24:48 > 0:24:51'honour that's associated with being part of something where you
0:24:51 > 0:24:53'are representing your nation.'
0:24:59 > 0:25:02The first game of the Six Nations,
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Wales away in Jesi near San Marino to face Italy.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Italy have beaten Wales in their last three encounters.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18The night before the game, nobody's late for the team meeting.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21This is it now, this is sort of crunch time.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24'Bit of nerves in there, but mainly excitement.'
0:25:24 > 0:25:27'It's come around pretty quick, but couldn't have asked for
0:25:27 > 0:25:29'a better preparation so hopefully it will be'
0:25:29 > 0:25:31a good start to the campaign for us.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Jess is selected on the bench.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39The shirt first, one step closer to a first cap.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Look at the camera there.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46'Finally got the shirt in my hand'
0:25:46 > 0:25:47and just don't know what to say, really.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Emotions flying everywhere and just so happy.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56The Stadio Comunale in Jesi.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Game one.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Eight minutes into the game, that trusty left boot.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Snowsill puts it away.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Those trusty forwards.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12This time, it's Caryl Thomas and that is the first try.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15The referee's arm is in the air.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Italy looking for a try here.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27Italy are right back in it.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Wales taking a narrow 10-8 lead into the second half.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Out to Dyddgu Hywel. Steps off the left foot and over she goes.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41The power of the captain.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Carys Phillips, the captain, breaks loose. Again the try.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Wales want to make a substitution here.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51And the first cap for Jess.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56A first win of the campaign.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Finally got my first cap.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04'Just so happy and what can I say?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07'Words can't describe how I'm feeling right now.'
0:27:07 > 0:27:11It's just out of this world.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21# And if it's quite all right I need you baby
0:27:23 > 0:27:25# I love you, baby
0:27:25 > 0:27:28# Trust in me when I say. #
0:27:30 > 0:27:35Game two, home at the Arms Park in Cardiff.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36The big one.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40'England, all they play is professional now
0:27:40 > 0:27:42'so we know they're going to be tough and big and strong
0:27:42 > 0:27:45'and we want to play against the best to be the best.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49'Walking down that tunnel leading the girls out is going to be
0:27:49 > 0:27:51'a big moment for me.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54'I'm really looking forward to it. There's nerves, there's excitement.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57'I'm just ready for it now and the girls are looking forward.'
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Carys Phillips in the here and now.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06This is charged with what has gone before.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09'Every time you pull on the red jersey, you feel like you have
0:28:09 > 0:28:11'the history of a nation on your shoulders.'
0:28:13 > 0:28:15'To come here and play in Cardiff Arms Park, it will be an
0:28:15 > 0:28:18'absolutely buzzing weekend in Cardiff and we're going to
0:28:18 > 0:28:21'want to capitalise on that feeling in the city centre.'
0:28:23 > 0:28:25'To beat England would be the pinnacle of the tournament.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27'We just want to go out there and prove we can compete with one
0:28:27 > 0:28:29'of the best teams in the world.'
0:28:29 > 0:28:32'It's going to be a massive game and I cannot wait.'
0:28:33 > 0:28:35These are pioneer days too.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37This is for the future.