Judith Phelps on the ball for Shropshire rugby

Three of Phelps' children played rugby for Telford Hornets throughout their childhood, a path which led the 67-year-old to volunteering in multiple roles at the club for some two decades.

So there is no doubt that her close and extended family and friends' pride stretched as deep as the Valleys themselves.

Phelps, who has resided in Wellington since 1972, became the first ever female president in the history of the Shropshire Rugby Football Union.

Her two-year stint at the helm sees Phelps succeed Newport's Andrew Watson-Jones.

The former Hornets chair explained: "I did know that there had never been a female president in the county before.

"I just want to do the job justice. There aren't many of us (female presidents) around at all and, obviously, I'm very proud.

"There were things going on behind my back for some time! People were saying 'why don't you go for it?' – I'm really honoured.

"It's been nice for my family. Rugby has always been apart of my life as a Valleys Girl. My eldest son started playing for Telford before my other son and daughter both played."

For Johanna, Owain, Elinor and Jonathan, the time and effort put it by their mother over the years will help ensure the county game in safe hands.

Phelps had been safeguarding manager for the Shropshire RFU and was responsible for setting, managing and advising on safeguarding policy across a constituent body of more than 60 clubs.

She has also been called to present and support the RFU on a number of occasions at events and conferences.

But her new role will be more 'hands-on', meaning that Phelps will be making regular Saturday trips to get further involved with all of the clubs that fall under her remit.

After her time of 'helping out' at the Hornets progressed into a chair role, Phelps is hoping that similar experiences and current successes at the Dawley-based club can be repeated at other outfits countywide.

The Telford side enjoyed a progressive season on the pitch, finishing second in the Midlands Four West North.

Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer both hit the heights in Midlands 3 West (North) and Bridgnorth topped the Midlands One West North.

Off the field, Phelps helped the Hornets through a successful phase securing new training lights, amendments to the car park as well as other social areas as part of the RFU Social Spaces.

They have also received a further £50,000 to continue improvement works on their base.

She added: "I've had links with junior sections but now I want to look at clubs as a whole. Of course, a lot of my time will also be chairing meetings.

"Representing the teams and supporting them is something I'm looking forward to.

"Making visits to the clubs on Saturdays rather than Sundays will make it a much broader brush – through my two years I'll visit and speak with the people of all clubs."

Last year, Telford Hornets hosted the Wooden Spoon international tag festival.

And Phelps, who hails from Merthyr Tydfil, admits that will be an area she hopes to focus on alongside new vice-president Don Howell, from Oswestry.

The festival provides an opportunity for the disadvantaged and disabled to get involved with the sport.

She said: "I'm a supporter of the Wooden Spoon charity and we hosted a fantastic event last year.

"This year's tournament was over in Limerick in Ireland and I would've gone had I not been at a safeguarding meeting in London.

"But I'm sure there'll be some links there. It's early days, but I'm sure we'll do something."

The latest honour for one of the local game's most treasured officers follows the 'Torch Trophy' she has already received. The nationwide gong recognises volunteers in sport and recreation.

Phelps said: "I was nominated by RFU staff and it was a huge surprise. It was absolutely fantastic to receive the prize from the Countess of Wessex, I had a really pleasant time.

"One suspects the county can feel safe in the knowledge that the passion and commitment of a proper 'rugby girl' will serve the game well."