Wales head coach Liza Burgess has selected her match day squad for the double header against France at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday in the opening round of the inaugural Six Nations Women’s U21 Series. (KO 6.15pm)
The match will follow the senior women’s international and gives Welsh fans an ideal opportunity to see the next generation perform on the international stage.
Burgess has taken the opportunity to name a number of players involved in Sean Lynn’s Six Nations squad as each team is allowed to name five players up to the age of 23.
Backs Kelsie Webster and Sian Jones along with forwards Katherine Baverstock, Elan Jones and Tilly Vucaj have been released by Lynn to start for Wales U21 while Alaw Pyrs starts from the bench.
“We have got a good blend of experience – it’s been brilliant to have the players dropping down to us as they have been training with the seniors and they’ve raised standards in training and it also drives the performance side of things,” said Burgess.
“The team is a really exciting mix of players, some of which had experience at the top level so that is only going to add to what we have in our squad. It’s the first year we’ve had hybrid players and I suppose it shows where we are in our development pathway as lots of these youngsters are now putting their hand up and challenging for positions.
“Not everyone can be picked in a match day squad so to be able to have the U21s as well is brilliant. The game is going to be an historic occasion, playing after the women at Cardiff Arms Park against France will be really exciting for the girls,” added Burgess.
Burgess has named Gwennan Hopkins as captain and Freya Bell as her vice-captain for the three games against France, Italy and Ireland.
“Gwennan is a standout for me – just her leadership qualities, her experience is going to be paramount in these three games,” said Burgess.
“She is a natural leader and has huge respect from the squad and she stepped up in the Celtic Challenge and put her hand up so I’m really excited to see her back. She is setting the standards.”
Wales Women U21 v France U21, Cardiff Arms Park, Sat 18 April – KO 6.15pm
15 Amy Williams (Brython Thunder)
14 Gabby Healan (Brython Thunder)
13 Hanna Tudor (N/A)
12 Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning) – VC
11 Kelsie Webster (Gwalia Lightning)
10 Hanna Marshall (Brython Thunder)
9 Sian Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury/Gwalia Lightning);
1 Katherine Baverstock (Leicester Tigers)
2 Molly Wakely Gwalia Lightning)
3 Elan Jones (Brython Thunder)
4 Robyn Davies (Brython Thunder)
5 Tilly Vucaj (Gwalia Lightning)
6 Lily Terry (Gwalia Lightning)
7 Lucy Isaac (Brython Thunder)
8 Gwennan Hopkins (Gwalia Lightning) – Capt
Replacements
16 Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder)
17 Crystal James (Gwalia Lightning)
18 Elizabeth Cook (Cardiff Met)
19 Alaw Pyrs (Gwalia Lightning)
20 Chiara Pearce (Gwalia Lightning)
21 Katie Bevans Gwalia Lightning)
22 Mollie Wilkinson (Brython Thunder)
23 Isla McMullen (Cardiff Met)