KELSIE Webster will put Mid Wales on the map today (Saturday, June 27), when she becomes the first-ever rugby player from Llanfair Caereinion to put on the Wales jersey.
Kelsie, 20, has been selected on the wing for Wales against the Barbarians, at Twickenham, with the game kicking off at 5pm.
The game is the second part of a double-header with Wales’ men’s team facing the Baa-baas at 2pm.
Kelsie, who came through the ranks at COBRA RFC and is a student at Hartpury University, is one of five players set to make their senior debut for Wales.
Webster is named in the starting backline, alongside Amy Williams, while Stella Orrin, Lucy Isaac and Lily Hawkins are among the replacements.
It’s been a meteoric rise for Kelsie, who asked her parents if she could take up rugby, aged 12, with no prior experience.
She joined the boys’ under-12 side at COBRA midway through the season and hasn’t looked back.
“Today marks a fantastic day in the history of COBRA RFC and the town of Llanfair Caereinion,” said Councillor Gareth Jones, who represents the town on Powys County Council.
Cllr Jones posted on his Facebook page on Saturday morning, saying: “Congratulations to Kelsie Webster, who becomes the first player to come through the COBRA youth system and the first person from Llanfair Caereinion to pull on the famous Welsh jersey.
“Kelsie lines up on the wing for Wales today against the Barbarians at Twickenham – a fantastic achievement and a moment of immense pride for everyone connected with our club and our community.
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“This is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and commitment from Kelsie, and it speaks volumes about the unwavering support of her parents, Alan and Sam Webster, who have invested so much time, encouragement and sacrifice throughout her rugby journey.
“Everyone at COBRA RFC is incredibly proud to have played a small part in Kelsie’s development.
“She is an inspiration to every young player coming through our mini and youth sections, proving that with determination, commitment and belief, dreams really can become reality.
“From everyone at COBRA RFC and the people of Llanfair Caereinion, we wish Kelsie every success today and in the exciting career that lies ahead.
Go strong, Kelsie. Wear that Welsh jersey with pride. We are all behind you and couldn’t be prouder. Pob lwc.”
Today will be Kelsie’s first Welsh appearance (although the friendly game will not count as an official cap), after she was originally called up to the squad for April’s 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
“It's a very exciting team,” said Wales coach Sean Lynn.
“Somebody told me there are 11 under 22s in the squad and why not? We're talking about the next generation. I'm talking about 2029 [the next World Cup] and these individuals.”
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