A Carlisle rugby union player has signed for Barrow Raiders Ladies ahead of the 2023 Betfred Women’s Super League campaign.
Bethan Lloyd has joined the club after impressing during recent open trials.
Lloyd started playing rugby union at the age of 11 and went on to represent Cumbria at Under-15s and Under-18s level.
Now 27 years old, she went on to play for Carlisle and feature for Cumbria at senior level.
Having joined the Army, Lloyd was introduced to their rugby league team by a friend and was encouraged to attend a training session.
After falling in love with the 13-woman code, she went on to play for the army over the course of two seasons, alongside her work commitments.
She has since left the army and lives in Whitehaven, working as a firefighter.
Lloyd is also still part of Carlisle’s set-up during the rugby union season and has been playing for the Cougars Ladies side.
A team-mate said: “Bethan has been at the Cougars for years and is part of the furniture.
“She currently plays in the centre but can move just about anywhere in the back line.
“She is a very reliable player who can be relied upon to deliver a performance when it’s needed.
“Very speedy she takes a lot of stopping when she makes a break for the line.
“I am pleased to say she plans to play more for us this season.”
Bethan said: “It means a lot to be playing for Barrow in the Women’s Super League.
“I was over the moon when I got that phone call to say I’d been selected, and I feel like I’ve been given a real opportunity to showcase lots of years of hard work.
“At the moment, I’m most looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team and putting in some hard pre-season graft.”
Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wikinson said: “Bethan is an athletic, skilful player who really stood out at our recent trials.
“She joins us as a loose forward, but with the qualities she has, we believe Bethan can provide us with real versatility within the squad.
“I’m looking forward to coaching her and am sure she’ll be a player to look out for next season.”
