The former Wales Women’s rugby captain, Siwan Lillicrap, was awarded an honorary Master of Science degree by Swansea University. The award ceremony took place on July 25 at the university's summer graduation event held at the Swansea Building Society Arena.
Siwan's journey into international rugby started at Waunarlwydd Rugby Club, where she observed her father coaching and her brother playing. With no junior girls' team available, she began training with the ladies' side at age 17 and made her debut shortly thereafter.
Her rugby career progressed significantly after that debut. A former student of Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr, Siwan studied sports science at Swansea University, graduating in 2009 while playing for Waunarlwydd RFC. She later played for Neath RFC, Swansea RFC, Ospreys Women, Bristol Bears in 2020, and Gloucester-Hartpury in 2022.
Siwan earned her first cap for Wales during the 2016 Women’s Six Nations and was named national captain in 2019. She led Wales through several championships including the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
In addition to her playing career, Siwan served as Swansea University’s head of rugby from 2017 to 2022. She managed over 300 players across men’s and women’s programs, fostering a thriving rugby community.
In March 2022, she became the first female player to secure a professional contract from the Welsh Rugby Union. She retired from international play in November 2022 after earning 51 caps for Wales.
Currently leading the WRU’s women's performance pathway including under-18s and under-20s teams, Siwan also contributes as a commentator and pundit for BBC.
On receiving her honorary degree, Siwan stated: “I am truly honoured to receive this award from Swansea University. The university holds a special place in my heart due to the many positive experiences I’ve had here, both as a student and as a staff member.”