FFION Lewis became a dual code rugby international when she ran out for the Wales Rugby League women’s international side against England on Friday.

Half-back Lewis - a former pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman - switched codes after previously representing the women's Wales rugby union and rugby sevens sides.

She follows the likes of Jonathan Davies, John Devereux, Scott Gibbs, Scott Quinnell and Gareth Thomas in pulling on the red shirt in rugby union and league.

According to the Welsh Rugby League's official website, Lewis has become the 100th dual code rugby international, including both sexes.

“I wasn’t aware that so many players had played both codes for Wales, it’s really amazing that I’m going to be on that list with so many incredible names," she said.

"Rowland Phillips was my first head coach for the Wales women’s rugby union side and he presented me with my first cap.

"So to be on the same list as the likes of him, and to be the 100th player to play rugby union and rugby league for Wales, is something to be really proud of.”

The 25 year-old had previously captained Welsh Universities in sevens, and in the 15-a-side version she has been capped 14 times and played in two Six Nations campaigns.

She also turned out for Scarlets, Worcester Warriors, Gloucester-Hartpury and Exeter Chiefs, before making the switch to rugby league earlier this year.

“After I wasn’t selected for Wales in rugby union this year, the opportunity arose in League to try out for the side," she said.

"I thought I’d give it a go and see how it went, and I’ve not looked back since.

"The transition of how I play as a number nine in union, and how I play in sevens, made the transition easier as to how I play in League.

“I’ve loved the challenge - games are completely different, but I’ve really enjoyed the different way of playing, it’s very technical and tactical in a completely different way to rugby union.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing how far I can go with this now - as long as we all give one hundred per cent, we can be pleased with ourselves.”

Lewis, who has signed for Rhondda Outlaws in the newly set-up Wales Women’s Rugby League, has also joined the new Betfred Super League South side Cardiff Demons.

“Many of the girls in the Wales side have signed on for the Demons, so what we’ve built as a squad, we can take back to the Demons and do really well," she said.

"I’ve finished a really good season with Exeter Chiefs, they’re an incredible club, and I’m proud to have played for them.

"I’m starting my new teaching job in Wales in September, so I need to make good lifestyle decisions for myself going forward.”

Wales, who were competing in their first international Test, were heavily beaten 60-0 by an experienced England side at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.

Yet, despite having a number of players who were playing rugby league for the first time, Wales will benefit from the experience of playing against one of the strongest sides in the world.