Ana Da Silva: I am more than capable of performing well at this level

We caught up with Giants Women’s #3 Ana Da Silva, one of the youngest and most exciting upcoming talents in the WSL.

Portugal-born, Guinea-Bissau-raised Ana Da Silva has 9 top-level caps to her name, a starting number for 2024 and a Giants U19s Player of the Year award all before she turns 18.

It’s safe to say she’s an incredibly exciting prospect.

Her debut was unexpected, to say the least, having only just joined the U19s academy in early 2023.

“I was asked by Lori [Halloran] and James [Westerby] to start training with the first team after I played in a couple of games with the U19s. 

"I had no idea what to expect coming into the 19s, let alone the first team. It has been a massive jump from playing at secondary and community level, but I’ve learnt so much since then. 

"A few weeks later, I was told I had made the first team, and that my first experience playing with the Senior team would be at the Nines Festival. 

"I was very grateful for the opportunity and excited about what the rest of the season had to hold. I knew I couldn’t be complacent; I needed to put in a lot of hard shift and train to the best of my ability to make sure kept my place.”

The move seemed somewhat daunting for the young forward, being the only player from the U19s to graduate to the first team at the time.

“I moved up slightly earlier than some of the other Under 19s, so I was thrown into the deep end a little bit without those familiar faces, but the staff and players have all been very supportive and helpful in helping me ease into it.

"I remember Bethan Oates, our captain, making the extra effort to help me out as a newcomer as well as Amelia Brown, Lois Naidole and Sienna McPherson taking me under their wing, which made a nerve-wracking experience a little more comfortable. 

"Then having Beth Armstrong and Georgia Hampshaw come up later on in the season was even better as I had two girls that I had already made bonds with and helped me, as well as those two, settle into the team.”

By her own admission, it wasn’t an easy year. The Giants bowed out of the Women’s Challenge Cup in the quarter-finals versus Wigan and finished last in the Women’s Super League table.

Da Silva spoke on the tough times, but how they also brought the side together.

“It was not easy going through a season like we did. At the time those losses didn’t feel great, but looking back on it, I think it’s made us stronger as a team as we came out of the other end with a fighting spirit. 

"On a personal note, it’s taught me how to persevere through tough situations and it builds character, but I am definitely looking forward to experiencing many more highs in 2024.

One of the highs of the Women’s season was their iconic 20-16 win over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium.

"Playing at a stadium is always added pressure, especially coming up against one of the Top 3 - the odds were stacked against us.

"We played our best, stuck it out together and never gave up. It was so rewarding to get a result out of all the hard work that went into the game."

Wanting to build on the momentum built in 2023, Ana said:

“Everyone has wanted to build and improve on last year, which has been clear in our pre-season training.

"John, our Strength and Conditioning coach has not made it easy for us, I will say that, but I’m glad we have an S&C coach who pushes us because that makes us stronger and strive to improve. 

"We as a team want to compete and cause some upsets this season, and it won’t come without hard work so I think the tough training we had was necessary.”

Da Silva was awarded her Senior first squad number by Head Coach Lori Halloran as well as a new role heading into 2024.

“I have played at centre before, but for the majority of my time playing rugby, I have been a forward. It was a bit of a shock moving from second row, but I feel quite comfortable as a centre. 

"I have more opportunities to run hard and fast lines at the defence and make those breaks that help the team in terms of field position which I think is one of my strong points as a player.

"I was really happy to receive my squad number, I’m grateful that Lori has put that trust in me to wear that #3 and do a good job at it - and that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

Ana made her first outing as centre in a pre-season friendly against Barrow. It didn’t take her too long to get onto the scoresheet - 5 minutes to be exact - with a great breach of the Raider defence for her first try in Giants colours.

“It was great to finally get a try for the Giants and I’m glad that I’ve started my journey as centre positively and I hope to continue that way. 

“I’m quite confident in my ability as a centre, I think playing with confidence boosts your performance more and that’s what could give me that edge over other centres in the Super League.

"I want to be able to show that although I am one of the youngest in the WSL, I am more than capable of performing well at this level of rugby.

"As a team, we hope to bring exciting and high-quality games to the fans at Laund Hill this season. They can be excited, feel welcomed and get involved with the team. 

"Lori is keen on fostering a positive culture for the Giants Women and the fans are sure to be a part of it too."