Students from several schools across North Wales attended leadership days as part of the Welsh Rugby Union’s ‘Girls in Rugby Week’.

The conferences, the first of their kind in Wales, took place at Coleg Menai and Coleg Llandrillo, where Year 10 students had the opportunity to hear from inspiring women in women's rugby.

Eloise Kirby talking to school students at a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Menai in Llangefni (Image: Supplied) The students also took part in WRU Rugby Leaders Award sessions to help them develop the skills needed to coach non-contact rugby, starting their journey to becoming leaders in the sport.

The events were part of the WRU’s 'From the changing room to the boardroom' initiative.

Sport lecturer and rugby referee Jenny Davies talking to school students at a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Menai in Llangefni (Image: Supplied) At Coleg Menai in Llangefni, the guest speakers were Jenny Davies, the first former Wales player to referee an international game, and Eloise Kirby, a PhD researcher in sport physiology at Bangor University and captain of the women's rugby team.

At Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea, Dr Seren Evans, a sports science lecturer at Bangor University and physiotherapist with RGC, and Lucy Brown, assistant coach for Wales U18 girls, were the speakers.

Rugby engagement officer Ollie Coles talking to school students at a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea (Image: Supplied) Ms Davies, who is also a sports curriculum coordinator and level 2 sports programme leader at Coleg Menai, said: "There’s more to rugby than just playing. If one door shuts, another will open for you.

"Events like this are important to help the girls realise they can achieve what they want to if they put their mind to it."

Girls taking part in a rugby skills session during a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea (Image: Supplied) Ms Brown said: "I spoke to the students about how being a leader in sport doesn’t always mean playing at the highest level - there are other ways you can be a leader.

"The journey that sport takes you on may or may not lead to playing for Wales, but if it doesn’t, it could lead to something else, such as being a coach, a referee, or a physio."

Girls taking part in a rugby skills session during a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea (Image: Supplied) Ms Kirby told the students that her journey to being a PhD researcher wasn't linear.

She said: "One of my key takeaways for the girls was to not worry if they don't know exactly what they want to do."

Girls taking part in a rugby skills session during a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea (Image: Supplied) Dr Evans spoke about how rugby can play a part in personal and professional development.

She said: "My biggest piece of advice when wanting to work in rugby is, get your foot in the door early, volunteer in different roles and you will find your calling."

Girls taking part in a rugby skills session during a WRU Leadership day at Coleg Menai in Llangefni (Image: Supplied) The events were organised by Ellie George, WRU women and girls' rugby officer for North Wales, and Ollie Coles, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, and WRU rugby engagement officer.

Ms George said: "The girls from all the visiting schools were excellent, and completed their rugby leader qualifications as well having the opportunity to hear rugby journey stories from our inspiring guest speakers."