Lewis to leave WRU as scrum-half hints at Wales retirement

Ffion Lewis made her Wales debut as a replacement in a 19-5 win against South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park in 2018

Ffion Lewis says she is leaving the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) programme after being informed her contract will not be renewed in the summer.

The scrum-half was one of 37 players to earn a full-time professional contract from the WRU in September last year ahead of the WXV2 tournament.

But midway through the 2025 Women's Six Nations campaign, the 28-year-old has suggested her international career may now be over, but confirmed she plans to continue playing rugby.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Lewis said: "Unfortunately, I've recently been informed that my (WRU) contract will not be renewed in June.

"Therefore, with the squad's best interests in mind and the protection of my own mental health, a decision has been made that I will be leaving the programme with immediate effect."

She added: "This ISN'T a statement of retirement, as I am nowhere near done with the game.

"However, this may be the chapter closing on my international career."

Lewis suffered a long-term knee injury in the Women's Six Nations two years ago and was subsequently ruled out of the WXV tournament in New Zealand.

She then required surgery after being diagnosed with endometriosis after suffering and living with severe period pains and illness.

To compound her year of hardship, the scrum-half then became a free agent after her club Worcester Warriors Women collapsed after their sponsor withdrew.

Lewis was included in Wales' 37-player squad for this year's Six Nations but has not featured in either of her country's opening two matches, against Scotland and England.

Meg Davies, Gloucester-Hartpury's breakthrough player of the season, has been preferred as Keira Bevan's understudy under new head coach Sean Lynn.

It means the Bristol Bears back could well have donned the red jersey of Wales for the final time, although Lewis says she is walking away from the WRU with her "head held high".

Lewis added: "I've poured my heart and soul into this programme over the last 10 years, sacrificed my career and financial stability and lived and breathed the four walls of the National Centre of Excellence.

"I've overcome situations I didn't think were possible and found strength in myself that I didn't know was there.

"I'm walking away with my head held high that I've done everything that has been asked of me, been nothing but passionate and committed, worked hard and stood by the girls through thick and thin."