Dani McGifford, events manager and school games organiser, has once again been named in the Wales women’s Rugby League training squad for this week’s mid-season internationals.
Dani will travel to Cardiff Met this Wednesday [15 July], to join the national training camp ahead. She is hoping to secure a place in the final matchday squad for Sunday’s international against Canada.
Dani’s sporting background
Originally a heptathlete, a sport in which she competed internationally, Dani only took up rugby three years ago. She joined St Helens RFC Women ahead of the club’s 2023 campaign as a winger.
Since then, she has made 37 appearances for the Saints, including 19 last season where she finished as the league’s top try scorer. She draws on her background in athletics to bring pace and power to the wing.
Commenting on her call-up, Dani said:
“I feel extremely privileged every time I am selected for Wales. Having only made my international debut in 2024, just one year after getting into the sport, I still feel a sense of imposter syndrome whenever I wear the Wales shirt. I owe a lot to St Helens RFC. It’s hard graft, with training up to five times a week, as well as matches. However, the coaching set-up is extremely supportive and has got me to where I am today. The level of detail they put into sessions, allowing us to re-watch our performances on the field to analyse our strengths and areas for improvement, is extremely beneficial and I wouldn’t have been selected for Wales without them.”
Dani’s role here at LSSP
By day, Dani uses her success in sport to support us here at LSSP as our events manager. She has placed a huge emphasis on increasing girls’ participation in physical activity.
Passionate about women’s sport and giving girls opportunities, this year has seen Dani push girls’ rugby in particular, organising a range of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 tournaments.
Joint CEO of Liverpool School Sports Partnership, Adella Dando, commented:
“Everyone at LSSP is extremely proud of Dani and her achievements both on and off the rugby field. She stands for everything LSSP is about, inspiring and empowering children to lead happy, healthy and active lifestyles, and is an incredible role model to young girls. Congratulations, Dani!”