Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions | Evans Gains 50th Cap In Six Nations Opener

Non Evans has been named at fullback for the opening game against Scotland at the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday 14^th February (12.30pm KO). Evans returns from her exploits in New Zealand with the World XV to win her 50^th cap joining an elite group of only 17 Welsh players, and the third female player to have reached the milestone including current team mate Louise Rickard and ex-international Liza Burgess, who still holds the Women’s world record of 67 caps for her country.

Non made her debut against Scotland in 1996. Since then she has played a number of positions including scrum half and centre but she has settled as the number one choice of full back where she became top try scorer in last year’s Six Nations.

Wales will be looking for only their second victory against the Scots since the Home Nations tournament began in 1998 and will be looking to avenge their 9-8 defeat at Meadowbank last season.

Wales announced six un-capped players in the new look squad announced this lunchtime at the Cardiff Arms Park. New caps are awarded to Caernarfon winger and ex Welsh football international Manon Williams and Llandaff North No 8 Emma Phillips.

Lock Becky Dando and Hooker Dominique Atwood, as well as ex-Under 19s Amy Day and Stacey Saunders will be looking to join Manon and Emma in winning their first caps should they step up from the replacements bench as coaches Phil John and Alun Harries look to get the tournament off on a winning note.

Phil John said “We selected 34 to train at the outset and to cut 12 wasn’t easy. With the Six Nations, the Europeans in Toulouse and the tour of South Africa, it is an exciting time for all involved and the strength in depth we now have will serve us in good stead as we progress. However, the focus is now solely on Scotland and getting that vital first victory.”

WALES