Suzanne Glavin, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Leeds is among a former group of rugby players to receive her cap from HRH The Prince of Wales, after a wait of more than three decades.
The ‘Missing Caps’ campaign aims to ensure all players who represented Wales in the past receive their recognition from the first women’s international match in 1987 to the present day.
When Suzanne played in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, the WRU failed to acknowledge the women’s game, so did not support the tournament. The records from the era prior to the women’s game being fully incorporated into the WRU are incomplete – with many players names absent.
Since the campaign was launched in 2021, 50 women have been awarded their caps at ceremonies across Wales, but the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) believes many more are yet to be found.
In an emotional ceremony at the Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, home of the Scarlets Rugby Union team, Suzanne was reunited with her former teammates to be honoured for their outstanding efforts.
It was an important day as it recognised women in sport. We managed to achieve everything we did in the game without any funding or support.”
The Prince of Wales, patron of the WRU, met with members of the current Welsh female international team who recently qualified for the 2025 World Cup, before handing out caps and brooches to some of the ‘Missing Cap’ players.
Suzanne said: “I’m originally from Cardiff, and the Prince of Wales feathers [on the rugby shirt] meant so much to me. Prince William understands it’s putting right a wrong. He said, ‘I’m sorry it took us so long’, and that means a lot.
“It was an important day as it recognised women in sport. We managed to achieve everything we did in the game without any funding or support.”
Suzanne Glavin (back row, fourth from left) representing Wales RUFC in 1989
Suzanne represented Wales six times and played rugby for Swansea Uplands and Cardiff RFC. She also represented her country in netball at U18s level and South Glamorgan and Middlesex U21s.
She added: “It was a nice celebration of women’s rugby and helps raise the profile of the game. It’s lovely to now see investment and recognition for girls and women who want to play and represent their country.
“It’s such a big thing here in Wales – so many girls will aspire to pull on the red shirt, as I did way back in time!”
Suzanne’s love for support has seen her volunteer for many major sporting events, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, European athletics Championships and both the rugby and rowing World Cups. Her sporting achievements also include two Great North Swims and running in the London Marathon in 2012.
This year Suzanne was a part of the main press team at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, where she worked as a photo supervisor for the swimming and water polo.
Suzanne supporting the photo shoot for Australian gold medal-winning swimmer Kaylee McKeown.
She added: “I really enjoyed my time at the Games as I was part of a great team.
“My highlight was meeting Olympic gold medal swimmer Leon Marchand and being there for the amazing celebrations, as the crowd sang the national anthem when he and other French swimmers won gold. It reminded me of being at the athletics stadium working in the mixed zone in London 2012 on Super Saturday.”
Further Information
For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey in the University of Leeds press office.