Dad's poor geography leads to De Vera's Wales debut

We have all taken a wrong turn or misread a map. But what if that contributed to your daughter becoming an international rugby player?

For Jenna De Vera's parents, that has certainly been the case.

The Bristol Bears centre won her first senior cap on Saturday, coming on as a replacement in Wales' 38-7 Six Nations defeat by France at Cardiff Arms Park.

De Vera described it as "the most perfect day ever", but had it not been for her father's oversight many years before, it may never have come.

"My parents met in Saudi Arabia. They were both born in the Philippines and moved there to find better work," De Vera explained.

"Dad saw an advert saying there were jobs in the UK.

"He saw all these places which he assumed to be streets in London, but when he landed in Heathrow, he got on the bus and three hours goes by, four hours.. he's like 'where on earth are we?'"

It turned out to be Llanelli, where the family settled and where De Vera was born 22 years ago.

Rugby family

Growing up in west Wales, De Vera credits rugby for playing a "pivotal role" in connecting her dual identities.

"The community, friends and family that I've built through it is absolutely incredible," she said.

"You've got 15-20 other players that automatically become your family for the rest of your life, and it keeps growing every time I enter a new phase of rugby.

"My parents obviously didn't know anything about rugby, but the way that I've integrated myself in the sport and how they've also invested in the sport has given them a community.

"I can remember my mum making noodles and spring rolls for some of the parents of my team-mates."

Image caption,

Jenna De Vera's parents were involved in her cap presentation at Cardiff Arms Park

A long but worthwhile wait

Patience and perserverance have been key for De Vera, with her debut coming three years after her first senior call-up.

The former Wales Under-20s captain watched team-mates win first caps in the 2023 Six Nations, but was not given an opportunity herself.

A serious knee injury then cruelly struck, keeping De Vera on the sidelines for over a year, but recent form for Bristol Bears and in the Celtic Challenge impressed Wales head coach Sean Lynn

"The resilience I'm seeing in her now has been brilliant," Lynn said.

"She came into our camp in February and just her leadership and controlling of the game, she blew us away as a coaching group.

"Her work ethic has been outstanding, so really excited to see her back."

Media caption,

Lynn excited by challenge despite winless Six Nations record

De Vera was a late call-up to Saturday's matchday squad after the late withdrawal of Carys Cox, so there was little time for nerves.

"Being in Cardiff Arms, knowing that my family's there, knowing that my friends are there, I would be doing a real disservice to myself if I put too much pressure and not enjoy it," she said.

"The spectacle of the first cap was probably something that I needed to remind myself, it was a real achievement and I'm really grateful to be given that opportunity."

De Vera is hopeful of being involved again on Saturday when Wales travel to Ashton Gate to take on world champions England.

"To be trusted with that opportunity on Saturday, to really go for it, has given me a lot of confidence," she said.

"I'm so excited because although the score didn't reflect, it was a harsh score, I feel that we are on an upwards trajectory together as seniors, Under-20s and 18s."