A rugby player has made history with her first senior appearance on the international stage.
Kelsie Webster, 20, from Llanfair Caereinion, Mid Wales, became the first rugby player from her hometown to play for the Wales senior team.
She made her debut in a 34-17 win against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday, June 27, earning a place in the starting line-up on the wing.
Webster, a product of the COBRA RFC youth system, is one of five players who made their senior debuts for Wales.
Sam Webster, her mother, said: "As parents there really aren't words to describe how proud we are.
"We've watched Kelsie dedicate so much of her life to rugby, making sacrifices, overcoming setbacks and always giving everything she has.
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"To see her pull on the senior Wales jersey and make her debut is such a proud moment for us and family."
She described the past year as "particularly challenging" due to an ankle injury and surgery.
Mrs Webster said: "She never gave up.
"Her determination and resilience have been incredible, and this debut is thoroughly deserved.
"We're all immensely proud of her and can't wait to see what the future holds."
She also said that her daughter’s journey was proof that "with talent, hard work and perseverance, it is possible to reach the very highest level of the game."
Webster began playing rugby at the age of 12 with no prior experience and joined the boys’ under-12 team at COBRA RFC partway through the season.
She is currently a student at Hartpury University.
Councillor Gareth Jones, who represents Llanfair Caereinion on Powys County Council, described it as a "fantastic day" in the history of COBRA RFC and the town.
In a Facebook post, Cllr Jones said: "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."
He acknowledged the years of "hard work, dedication and commitment" that led to her debut, and paid tribute to the "unwavering support" of her parents, Alan and Sam Webster.
Cllr Jones said: "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."
He ended his post with a message in Welsh, saying: "Pob lwc."
Wales coach Sean Lynn said: "It's a very exciting team.
"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."
The match formed part of a double-header at Twickenham, with the men’s team also playing the Barbarians earlier in the day.
Webster’s appearance followed her initial call-up to the Wales squad during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
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