This initiative aims to locate and properly recognise the pioneering women who represented Wales in international rugby but were never officially awarded their caps. The visit comes at a poignant time for the Prince, as global headlines have focused on the news of his wife, Princess Catherine, completing chemotherapy treatment.
The 'Missing Caps' campaign is a landmark effort by the WRU to rectify the historical oversight of women's rugby players who helped lay the foundation for the sport in Wales. Many of these women, who represented their country in international fixtures, never received the symbolic honour of a cap — a token of achievement widely recognised in rugby. The WRU is now committed to finding these players or their families and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.
Prince William, who is a long-standing supporter of rugby and holds the honorary title of Patron for the WRU, took a keen interest in the campaign. In a further rugby connection, the Prince William Cup is awarded to the winner of fixtures between Wales and South Africa.
During his time at the stadium, the Prince - who recently revealed that he has been using Duolingo to learn the Welsh language - spoke with WRU officials, former players, and members of the local community, discussing how the campaign will not only celebrate women’s contributions to Welsh rugby but also inspire future generations of female athletes.
While the focus was on the 'Missing Caps' campaign, which launched in April of 2023, Prince William's visit came against a challenging personal backdrop. The Prince was warmly greeted by the people of Carmarthenshire, who extended their best wishes following the news of Princess Catherine's medical treatment.
The Prince's involvement in rugby extends beyond ceremonial duties. Alongside his wife (who is a patron of England Rugby), he has been a vocal advocate for the advancement of the women’s game and has used his platform to raise awareness of female athletes’ achievements. His support of the 'Missing Caps' campaign aligns with his broader commitment to fostering greater equality within sport.
As well as being the home of the URC side Scarlets, the stadium visited by the Prince this week has also hosted international rugby, becoming a central venue for the Welsh rugby team during the pandemic, when Autumn Tests and Guinness Men's Six Nations matches were held there.
