Women’s World Cup qualifying: Big games keep coming for Wales’ Laura Hughes

Hughes is with the Wales squad for only the second time having opted to represent the land of her mother last year.

The 24-year-old, who was capped by Australia in a friendly in 2024, made her one Wales appearance to date in December’s triumph over Switzerland.

She missed the first two camps of this qualifying campaign because of a knee injury but is now eyeing a competitive bow for Wales.

Hughes has prepared for the trip to Podgorica with a stint in Porthcawl, where her grandfather, aunt and two cousins live.

“I played my last game of the season with Melbourne City in South Korea and so I thought instead of going all the way back, I’d just come straight here,” she explained.

“As soon as I came there was a heatwave, so I think I brought it with me.

“I was just hanging out with my family down Coney Beach. It was nice.”

Born and raised in Canberra, Hughes says in her Australian accent that it was a “no-brainer” to commit to Wales having been given the chance by head coach Rhian Wilkinson.

“I think my mum shed a tear when I made my debut,” she added.

“I spent a lot of summers here growing up. My family would come over and then my Welsh family would visit us in Australia.

“I feel very connected to Porthcawl and Wales. I feel very Welsh.”