Parfitt signs first Glamorgan Women pro contract

Captain Lauren Parfitt is the first player to be given a professional contract by Glamorgan Women as they prepare to move up to Tier 1 in 2027.

Parfitt led the Wales side from the age of 18 and represented the Western Storm regional team, before skippering the newly created Glamorgan team in 2025 and 2026.

The 32-year-old will take a sabbatical from her job as a PE teacher and head of year at Bassaleg School in Newport to focus on her Glamorgan role.

Glamorgan won the League Two T20 Blast title this summer and have reached the semi-final of the One Day Cup, where they will host Kent on Sunday, 13 September.

Parfitt has led from the front as opening bat and leading run-scorer for the county side.

"The 11-year-old me dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer when I never thought it would be an option, so to now have the opportunity is an incredible feeling," said Parfitt.

"It is a privilege to play for Glamorgan as it enters a professional era, as it's a team that feels like home.

"We've built a really strong foundation and I am excited for the challenge of Tier 1 cricket alongside what is shaping up to be a fantastic group."

Aimee Rees, Glamorgan's head of women's and girls' cricket, added: " This is a landmark moment for women's cricket at Glamorgan, and a hugely significant step forward in the professionalisation of the game in Wales."

Parfiitt is likely to be joined by leading performers from the current Glamorgan squad, together with a number of signings from the current professional sides in Tier 1.

Glamorgan have regularly fielded the maximum of three loan players per game in a bid to identify suitable talent for their first season in the top flight.