Wales Women are on the rise according and could soon be filling to scrum-half Ffion Lewis
BySportsbeat
Published 08/04/2023 at 16:16 GMT+1
Wales Women could be selling out the Principality Stadium in a matter of years according to scrum-half Ffion Lewis. Wales have sold out Cardiff Arms Park for their clash with England in the 2023 TikTok Women's Six Nations.
Wales' Lisa Neumann (C) is tackled during the New Zealand 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Wales and Scotland at Northland Events Centre in Whangarei on October 9, 2022. (Photo by Michael Bradley / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via G
Image credit: Getty Images
A packed Principality Stadium roaring on Wales Women is a matter of when not if, according to scrum-half Ffion Lewis.
A sold-out Cardiff Arms Park awaits Lewis and her teammates for the visit of England in Round 3 of the TikTok Women's Six Nations next weekend as two unbeaten sides go head-to-head.
That will top the record crowd of 4,962 which turned out for the Round 1 win over Ireland and Lewis, who scored the try which wrapped up victory in Scotland last time out, reckons a move next door is inevitable.
"Cardiff Arms Park is our home, it's electric and you don't want to lose that atmosphere," she said.
"But I guarantee in four or five years, we could be selling out the Principality.
"The demand and the desire to support us has skyrocketed and it's such an exciting thing to be a part of at the moment.
"Wales fans are passionate and it will be an insane atmosphere against England. To hear the fans singing the songs and hymns really gets that fire burning.
"We're so grateful people are willing to come out and support us and it's an exciting place to be.
"If we keep putting in the work we are now, the next generation will have an incredible future and I'm beyond excited to see that, whether I'm playing or supporting from the stands."
Wales have not beaten England since 2009 and were beaten 58-5 when the sides met at the same stage of last year's Championship.
But wins over Ireland and Scotland mean Ioan Cunningham's side are going into this encounter with confidence and the 26-year-old believes her side can cause problems for the reigning Grand Slam winners.
"I believe we can punish them up front because of how much of a good place we are in at the moment," Lewis said.
"We carry a threat all over the park. We know they have a rapid back three but our physicality matches that and our centre partnership are on fire.
"England are always a challenge, they may have some injuries but that doesn't change the fact they are a world-class team.
"Our challenge is continuing the good work we've put in, focusing on our strengths and utilising them.
"We know they are strong up front but so are we. I don't doubt we can put in a performance.
"Last year, we were losing by 50 or 60 but I don't think that is even in the question now based on the performances we are putting in."
Key to Wales' revival has been the raft of full-time contracts awarded to the women's squad, of which Lewis is among the recipients.
They are already reaping the rewards on the field while those behind the scenes have drawn out some intriguing statistics to show the difference the switch has made.
"As a squad, physically, they say we've lost the fat of a baby hippo and gained the muscle of a bear," Lewis said.
"I wonder now how I was managing to balance everything before, now I'm doing this full-time.
"It has changed me as a person and an athlete, it's game-changing. It is the best job in the world and it's where I know I'm meant to be.
"To finally feel that way after years of balancing and sacrifice is a dream come true. We've proven the investment into the women's game is worth it."
For all the latest TikTok Women's Six Nations news, information, and details on how to watch the Championship, visit: https://womens.sixnationsrugby.com/
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