Biography
Gwen Crabb, born on June 28, 1999, in Swansea, South Wales, is a formidable presence in women’s rugby. Standing at 170 cm and weighing 77.3 kg, Crabb plays as a second row for the Wales national team and Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premier 15s. Her journey from a talented football goalkeeper to a key rugby player exemplifies her versatility and dedication to sports.
Teams and Years Played
Club Career:
- Pencoed Phoenix U18s (Youth)
- Hendy U18s (Youth)
- Worcester Warriors (2019-2020)
- Gloucester-Hartpury (2020-Present)
International Career:
- Wales (2018-Present): 25 caps, 0 points
International Caps
Gwen Crabb has earned 25 caps for the Wales national team since her debut in 2018, contributing significantly to the team’s performance in various tournaments, including the Six Nations Championship.
Career Highlights
Early Life and Transition to Rugby Gwen Crabb began her athletic career as a football goalkeeper, a position she played from the age of four until her mid-teens. Her skills in football earned her a spot in the Wales under-17s squad. However, at around 15, she transitioned to rugby, drawn by the family atmosphere and physical contact of the sport. Her handling skills as a goalkeeper seamlessly transferred to rugby, particularly in line-outs, which became her specialty.
Club Career Crabb’s rugby journey began with Pencoed Phoenix and Hendy under-18s before she joined Worcester Warriors in 2019. In June 2020, she signed with Gloucester-Hartpury, where she continues to make a significant impact in the Premier 15s league.
International Rugby Career Crabb made her international debut for Wales against Hong Kong in the 2018 autumn series at Cardiff Arms Park, following a year out due to a knee injury. Since then, she has been a regular feature in the Wales women’s squad, competing in every Six Nations Championship from her debut onwards.
Crabb’s dedication and performance earned her a full-time contract in January 2022, making her one of 31 Welsh players to receive this recognition. She played a pivotal role in Wales’ 2022 Six Nations campaign, starting in every match and demonstrating her resilience and skill on the field.
Notable Matches and Achievements:
- International Debut: Against Hong Kong in the 2018 autumn series.
- Six Nations Championship: Regular participant from 2018 to 2022.
- 2021 Rugby World Cup: Selected for the Wales squad and played in the warm-up match against England, where she scored the only try for Wales.
Recent Success Crabb scored a crucial try in Wales’ warm-up match against England ahead of the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Her consistent performance led to her selection for the World Cup squad, highlighting her importance to the national team.