Biography
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, born on October 9, 1995, in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a prominent Welsh rugby union player. Standing at 1.7 meters (5 ft 7 in) and weighing 61 kilograms (134 lb), she is known for her speed and agility on the wing. She has played for various clubs and represented Wales and Great Britain on the international stage. She is married to Alisha Butchers as of 2023.
Teams Played For and Years
- Scarlets: 2010–2020
- Bristol Bears Women: 2020–present (60 points as of the latest update)
International Caps
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers has earned 20 caps for the Wales women’s national rugby union team since her debut in 2017. She has also been a significant player in the Wales and Great Britain rugby sevens teams.
Most Important Moments in Her Sports Career
- First International Cap: 2017, debut for Wales against Scotland.
- Olympic Debut: 2016, representing Great Britain in the rugby sevens at the Rio Olympics, being the only Welsh woman in the squad.
- Rugby World Cup: Represented Wales in the 2017 Rugby World Cup.
- Commonwealth Games: Competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
- European Games Gold Medal: Won the gold medal with Team GB at the 2023 European Games in Kraków–Małopolska.
Early Rugby Career
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers began playing rugby at the age of seven with the mini-section of St. Davids RFC. At 12, she moved to the women’s youth team at Haverfordwest RFC. Her talent was recognized by the Scarlets at age 15, and she joined their under 18s programme, quickly becoming a standout player and progressing to the senior squad.
Club Career
Joyce-Butchers played for Scarlets from 2010 to 2020 before signing with the Bristol Bears in 2020. Her impact on the field was immediate, and she has been a crucial part of the team, scoring 60 points.
International Career
- Wales A Squad: Selected in 2013 for the UK school games.
- Wales Sevens: Played in the 2015 Dubai Sevens and the European Championships.
- Olympics: Represented Great Britain in the 2016 Rio Olympics and was called up again for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
- Six Nations: Made appearances for Wales in the 2016/17 and 2021 Six Nations tournaments.
- Rugby World Cup: Competed in the 2017 World Cup and was selected for the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
- Commonwealth Games: Played in the 2018 Games and won gold at the 2023 European Games.
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Named in the British squad, becoming the first British woman rugby player to be selected for three separate Olympic Games.
Personal Life
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers is married to fellow rugby player Alisha Butchers. She attended Ysgol Dewi Sant and pursued higher education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers is celebrated for her speed, skill, and dedication to rugby. Her career continues to inspire many young athletes, and she remains a pivotal player for both her club and country. With her selection for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Joyce-Butchers continues to solidify her legacy as one of the top rugby players in Wales and Great Britain.