Rugby / Wales
Bristol student selected for Wales Six Nations squad
A student from the University of Bristol has been picked for the Welsh Six Nations squad.
Jenna De Vera, a film and television with innovation student, was in the squad but did not play in the team who beat Ireland 31-5 at Cardiff in their first game of this year’s tournament.
The 19-year-old has played with the University of Bristol women’s rugby club since she joined the institution in September 2022.
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De Vera played her junior rugby for the Stradey Sospans hub and currently plays for Burry Port Women’s team.
She captained the under-18s Scarlets team and impressed coaches in her first season playing for the university first XV.
Jenna with the University of Bristol’s Women’s Rugby team – photo: University of Bristol
Jenna said she was excited about the news: “Getting the call up was an incredible feeling, but also quite intimidating,” she said.
“The level is much more professional and much more intense, with way higher demands on you. I was excited to put myself in that position though.”
“The level of skill and talent in this team is massive, it’s amazing to be surrounded be so many talented women.
“Training in the women’s senior team is a real step up. The coaches are really honest with you which has helped my game a lot.”
Jenna is currently training eight hours a day, most days of the week. Over the coming two months she will be playing with, and against, some of her rugby heroes.
“Four years ago I took a photo with the former captain Carys Phillips: this week I was sitting next to her on the team bus after a training match against South Africa,” Jenna said.
Jenna represented Wales at the under-18 level, but caught the eye of head coach Ioan Cunningham at this year’s Celtic Challenge – a tournament between Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Steve Gazzard, women’s rugby head coach at the University of Bristol, said: “Jenna has made a huge contribution to our team culture and work ethic and has excelled for the first team in a number of positions, so it was no surprise to me to see her continue her progress with Wales in the Celtic Challenge.
Jenna also thanked her teammates for their support: “The girls have been really supportive – some even came to the Celtic Challenge – although there is still a lot of Wales/England banter flying around.”
Main photo: Riley Sports Photography
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