Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder clash in the festive Welsh derby in Round 2 of the expanded Celtic Challenge at Cardiff Arms Park, on Saturday, December 27th (KO: 2pm).
The first of two Welsh derbies will see a host of Welsh internationals and the best young talent in Wales line up against each other at the home of Cardiff Rugby.
A bumper crowd is expected in the Welsh capital with tickets still available.
Wales backrower Bryonie King will captain Gwalia Lightning with seven Welsh internationals in the side and with three changes to the side that scored five tries against Clovers in Dublin last weekend.
Wales pair Sian Jones and Alaw Pyrs are named in the starting line-up at scrum half and lock respectively, while GB Sevens flyer Nia Fajeyisan is selected on the wing.
Jess Rogers captains Brython Thunder for the second successive game including four Welsh internationals, lock Natalia John, scrum half Seren Lockwood, who makes her first start for the Thunder, wing Amelia Tutt and Number 8 Branwen Metcalfe.
Brython Thunder make four changes for the visit to the Welsh capital, with full back Amy Williams, fly half Ffion Williams, scrum half Lockwood and flanker Finley Jones named in the starting line-up.
Gwalia Lightning head coach Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin, said: “The Welsh derbies always focus the minds of players, coaches and staff and there is always an edge when we face Brython Thunder.
“We produced an impressive performance away in Dublin in the Celtic Challenge opener and we need to build on that.
“To have the opportunity to play at Cardiff Arms Park against our Welsh rivals over the festive period is one we have to relish.”
Brython Thunder head coach, Ashley Beck, said: “When the fixtures are announced the first game all players, coaches and staff look for are the Welsh derbies.
“To have the first Welsh derby so early in the season and during the festive season adds real spice to the start of the Celtic Challenge.
“We are a young side, and we know what Gwalia Lightning will bring but this is all about producing a performance in Cardiff.”
Gwalia Lightning
15. Catherine Richards, 14. Courtney Greenway, 13.Kelsie Webster, 12. Molly Anderson- Thomas, 11. Nia Fajeyisan, 10. Carys Hughes, 9. Sian Jones; 1.Maisie Davies, 2 Molly Reardon, 3. Evie Hill, 4.Alaw Pyrs, 5.Tilly Vucaj, 6.Erin Jones, 7. Catrin Stewart, 8 Bryonie King (captain)
Replacements: 16. Molly Wakely, 17. Chloe Thomas Bradley, 18. Sophie Waugh, 19. Chiara Pearce, 20. Lily Terry, 21. Anwen Owen, 22 Katie Bevans, 23. Nikita Prothero
Brython Thunder
15. Amy Williams, 14. Amelia Tutt, 13. Ellie Tromans, 12. Gabby Healen, 11. Seren Singleton, 10. Ffion Williams, 9. Seren Lockwood; 1. Stella Orrin 2.Shanelle Williams 3. Elan Jones, 4. Robyn Davies, 5. Natalia John, 6. Finley Jones. 7. Jess Rogers (captain), 8. Branwen Metcalfe,
Replacements: 16. Amy Morgan, 17. Meg Lewis, 18. Allie Watkins, 19. Mia Haf Bowen, 20. Robyn Kovachev, 21. Ffion Lewis, 22. Ffion Davies, 23. Hanna Marshall