Wales head coach Warren Abrahams believes he has the perfect blend of youth and experience in a 32-strong squad for the Women’s Six Nations.
Scrum-half Keira Bevan returns to the fold following a long-term injury, second-rower Teleri Wyn Davies is recalled after winning her only cap back in 2018 and there are three uncapped players in the group.
Wasps fly-half Flo Williams, Saracens prop Donna Rose and Sale Sharks scrum-half Jess Roberts are those looking to make their international bow after impressing at club level this season.
Like Bevan, Army duo Gemma Rowland and Bethan Dainton are back in camp, along with Saracens scrum-half Jade Knight, while Exeter full-back Niamh Terry and prop Gwenllian Jenkins are recalled for the first time since 2019.
It will be Abrahams’ first Women’s Six Nations at the helm and Wales open up with a trip to Vannes to face France next Saturday before hosting Ireland in Cardiff a week later and then playing the corresponding team from the opposing pool on Super Saturday Finals Day.
“We are all so excited to get on the pitch and represent the jersey,” said Abrahams. “It’s all about France and putting into practice what we’ve done in training.
“We want to show what we can do and the matches will be a great gauge for where we are as a team.
“Selection came with some welcome headaches, I think this is a very competitive squad and a nice blend between the more experienced players and players new to the squad or returning.
“All the selected players have really put their hands up, both in their club performances within the Allianz Premier 15s and in training with us.
“They all deserve their place and are looking forward to showing what they can do in the Six Nations.”
Siwan Lillicrap has been named captain once again, having held the armband since November 2019 and leading Wales in the 2020 Women’s Six Nations.
She said: “Playing the Six Nations as a standalone tournament later in the year gives us a real platform to show what we can do and inspire the next generation of girls to play rugby.
“We can’t wait to get on the pitch again, we are raring to go.”
Wales squad for the Women’s Six Nations:
Forwards: Cara Hope, Caryl Thomas, Cerys Hale, Donna Rose, Gwenllian Jenkins, Kelsey Jones, Molly Kelly, Robyn Lock, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Natalia John, Teleri Wyn Davies, Bethan Dainton, Georgia Evans, Manon Johnes, Shona Powell-Hughes, Siwan Lillicrap (C)
Backs: Jade Knight, Jess Roberts, Keira Bevan, Elinor Snowsill, Flo Williams, Gemma Rowland, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Megan Webb, Caitlin Lewis, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce, Lisa Neumann, Niamh Terry, Robyn Wilkins
