Gloucester’s Wales players make a huge impact in Premier 15s final, says Kelsey Jones with a smile

Welsh Rugby Union player Kelsey Jones’ grin widens with the team’s victory

Wales hooker, Kelsey Jones smiles from ear to ear after scoring in Gloucester Hartpury’s play-off triumph over Bristol Bears. The win marked their first Premier 15s final, and they will face runners-up Exeter Chiefs back at Kingsholm on Saturday, June 24th.

Jones shared this incredible achievement with some of her international teammates. She expressed how amazing it was to play alongside her best friends and couldn’t hold back her excitement: “I am buzzing and smiling from ear to ear.”

The continuity that Welsh players have is an added advantage as they take progress back into camp. With 13 Wales players including current captain Hannah Jones and former captain Siwan Lillicrap on the books, there has been a gradual west country shift towards Gloucester in recent years.

Bethan Lewis and Lleucu George joined Jones in the starting XV during the game against Bristol Bears while Sisilia Tuipulotu and Lisa Neumann were among those named as replacements.

“The hard work that the girls have put in this year, not just this year but also previous years can be seen by everyone,” said emotional Jones after their well-deserved win.

Tears of joy flow for young prop Sisilia Tuipulotu

The match brought tears of joy for Wales prop & Gloucester lock Tuipulotu who had a place secured in finals capping off an incredible season for her at only 19 years old.

Talking about how proud she was of her team members’ performance on-and-off-field despite having new people joining them this season, Tuipulotu said: “I feel we have gotten closer as a team, and I guess that shows both on the field as well as off.”

After the match, Tuipulotu joined her teammates in signing autographs. She expressed how delighted she was to inspire young girls who are starting to play rugby.