Barrow Raiders Ladies promote Cerys Rice to first-team

Rice started playing rugby in 2015 but stepped away from the game a year later to focus on completing her veterinary nursing qualification. 

She returned to the sport back in January, linking up with the Barrow Ladies Reserves team. 

Rice was a stand-out performer in that side, and her displays have earned her a promotion to the first-team squad ahead of the 2023 Betfred Women’s Super League season. 

"In my last year as a player for Barrow Ladies Reserves, I found a passion for rugby league and a support bubble in both the team, coaches and supporters like nothing I've known before," she said. 

"I decided early on in playing that the Barrow Ladies Super League team was my goal, and as a determined individual, I put in all my effort to reach that point.

READ MORE: Second signing of the week sees return of former prop forward

"I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to play at Super League level, and intend on putting everything I have into working for this team.

"I am eager to take on the challenges that come with stepping up, and I’m keen to see how far this team and club can push me to develop as both a player and a person."

Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: "Cerys is an athlete with great attitude and commitment.

"She always stood out as a player when I watched her in training and playing for the reserves. 

"She impressed me with her work rate and willingness to learn.

"She possesses so many natural qualities needed to succeed in the game, and I'm really looking forward to coaching her."

Rice becomes the third new player added to the Barrow Ladies first team squad this week, following the arrival of loose forward Bethan Lloyd and the return of prop forward Jodie Morley. 

Both Lloyd and Morley joined Raiders Ladies after impressing at the recent open trials held by the club.

Credit: www.barrowrlfc.com