There is a good balance of new and experienced players with seven new names in the squad.
Experience comes in the form of 69 times-capped Louise Rickard. The star of the BBC series ‘SAS Are you tough enough?’ has proven to be an asset to the squad over the years, bringing high standards but also encouragement and support to the younger players. Last year’s WWRU Mr Kipling Player of the Year, Non Evans continues at full back following her exceptional performances in last season’s Six Nations and in the first rounds of the Super League.
The surprise selection has to be 16 year-old winger Hannah Szgetvari. Having just stepped out of the Wales Under 16 squad this summer she is the youngest member of the squad and will train with the Seniors until the Six Nations when she will then revert to the Wales U19 squad.
The half back pairings are Kerry Jenkins and Cath Walkley at Scrum Half with Awen Thomas and Stacey Saunders, who has just stepped out of Under 19s at Fly Half.
It will be the third season at senior level for the UWIC winger Hayley Baxter who has impressed the selectors again with her lightening quick step, scoring eight tries in two games for East Wales in the Super League.
Lowri Jones joins Rhian Williams and Naomi Thomas in the centre.
Catrin Edwards, Kath Lenaghan, Amy Broadstock and Claire Horgan have been selected in the front row, along with hookers Nicola John and Jamie Kift. It is the first time Claire Horgan has trained with the seniors, having spent a year in the development squad last season.
The back row trio will be made up from Mel Berry, Kylie Wilson and ex-development players Esther Eckley and Catrina Nicholas. Mel has captained Wales for the last two seasons, taking them to the World Cup in 2002.
Head Coach Phil John commented, “This squad has been selected on the girls performance in the Super League to date. There are a lot of younger players in the squad, we are looking forward to the 2006 World Cup and the selection reflects that.”
The Development squad have also been selected for their fixture against the British Army in November. Twelve players make the squad for the first time including seven of the current Wales Under 19 players.
Marie Bancroft graduates from the Wales Under 19s and is joined in the second row by 18-year-old Vikki Gaylard. They will benefit from the experience of fellow second row Claire Donovan who has played for Wales on many occasions.
Mandy Tyler-Davies and Rachel Brown will provide the experience in the backs with Sara Wheldon, Jess Kidley and Manon Williams all new to the squad. 17-year-old Michaela Reed has been selected at fly half with Amy Day and Gemma Allen as scrum half.
Central Wales full back Philippa Tuttiet impressed the selectors in her first season of Super League. She has been selected along side Elen Evans, the current Wales Under 19 full back.
SENIORS:
Catrin Edwards
Amy Broadstock
Jamie Kift
Nicola John
Kath Lenaghan
Claire Horgan
Ayla Rose
Kath Foale
Becky Dando
Mel Berry
Esther Eckley
Kylie Wilson
Catrina Nicholas
Kerry Jenkins
Cath Walkley
Awen Thomas
Stacey Saunders
Hayley Baxter
Hannah Szgetvari
Rhian Williams
Lowri Jones
Naomi Thomas
Louise Rickard
Non Evans
DEVELOPMENT:
Louise Horgan
Rachel Evans
Dominique Attwood
Sophie Williams
Jenny Davies
Elin Davies-Pope
Vikki Gaylard
Claire Donovan
Marie Bancroft
Zoe Eaton
Louise Akers
Eirlys Lougher
Emma Phillips
Sam Mason
Amy Day
Gemma Allen
Micheala Reed
Manon Williams
Jess Kidley
Sara Wheldon
Mandy Tyler-Davies
Rachel Brown
Philippa Tuttiet
Elen Evans
