A wheelchair rugby tournament in Pontypool last Saturday was a special day for one Dragons player.
Ronnie Davies, 62, from Newport, crossed the line to score her first try in a competitive match. The event was organised by the Dragons Wheelchair Rugby team, who are based in Torfaen. They invited the Ospreys, the Worcester Warriors and the Taunton Gladiators to take part.
Cwmbran Life caught up with Ronnie after she helped the Dragons beat Worcester Warriors 11-8.
She said: “I moved up here from Dorset last November and I wanted to join a community and I love rugby, I really love rugby.
“I went to the Dragons to buy a ticket. I asked at the reception area, ‘did they have anything for old ladies like me in the community?’ And they pointed me to Karen Burgess (an inclusion officer with the Dragons) and I joined the Sporting Memories group at Rodney Parade, which is absolutely brilliant. And one of them said ‘come to this’ so I went one night just to watch, and within five minutes I was in a chair. That was last March.
“I love it. It’s so exhilarating. It gives you a new lease of life. And they are fantastic people. If you just see what they’re like, willing me to score.
“I am the slowest thing on two wheels. I now go and watch the mixed ability team, the touch rugby. I can’t play, which I would love.”
Cwmbran Life asked Ronnie what she would say to something thinking about joining the Dragons wheelchair rugby team. She said: “They must. Even if you’re nervous and you don’t think it’s for you, just come and watch. And they are such a good bunch of people. They will offer to get you in a chair straight away.
“They offered me a chair, and I said ‘no, I’ll just watch’ and within five minutes I was itching. I even go and try out with the youth team. I turn up early sometimes and train with them. It’s just lovely.
“But you couldn’t meet a better bunch of people. And for your mental health and your wellbeing, it is unbelievable. I can tell you, it’s better than any tablet.”
The Dragons train at the Bowden Active Living Centre in Trevethin every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. New players are always welcome.
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