ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE WELSH RUGBY UNION Wales Women squad selected Wales Women head coach Rhys Edwards has named Neath Athletic speedster Rosie Fletcher as the only uncapped player in his side to take on Ireland in the opening game of the Six Nations at Ashbourne on Friday (KO 7.30pm).
The only other newcomer to the Welsh side is replacement prop Megan York who has made rapid strides this season with Blaenau Gwent, Cross Keys and the Dragons.
“Rosie is a raw talent on the wing,” said Edwards. “She is an exciting prospect and is pretty quick and I’m confident she has the ability to perform at international level while Megan has done really well this season and deserves her place on the bench.”
Rachel Taylor will lead the side from the side of the scrum after taking over the captaincy duties from the unavailable Catrin Edwards.
“Catrin’s absence is a huge blow to us as she was a great leader as well as giving us plenty of go forward from prop.
Saying that we still have plenty of experience with Jenny Davies and Caryl Thomas both playing well.
“We’ve also lost Ceri Redman and Elen Evans who would have been an exciting combination in midfield but with Philippa Tuttiett and Adi Taviner we have more than able replacements.”
Naomi Thomas returns to the international fold after taking a season out last year and her experience at fly half will be crucial, says Edwards.
“With the open game we want to play, Naomi is the perfect foil at outside half. She’s got great hands and we want to play an expansive game which will suit her down to the ground.”
“Ireland will be tough first up as they are always difficult to beat at home. If we can sneak a result there and do well against Scotland that will give us a bit of momentum for our trip to Twickenham where we face England.”
After the England clash, Wales host Italy at the Millennium Stadium before completing their campaign against France at Cross Keys.
“The way the draw has fallen for us this season, we’ve targeted three wins – that’s going to be a huge challenge for the girls but with the girls buying into what we are striving for, I don’t see any reason why we can’t achieve that target,” added Edwards.
Wales Women v Ireland Women , Friday 3rd Feb, Ashbourne RFC, KO 7.30pm 1. Caryl Thomas 2. Rhian Bowden 3. Jenny Davies 4. Vicky Owens 5. Shona Powell Hughes 6. Sioned Harries 7. Rachel Taylor (Capt) 8. Jamie Kift 9. Laura Prosser 10. Naomi Thomas 11. Rosie Fletcher 12. Adi Taviner 13. Philippa Tuttiett 14. Charlie Murray 15. Mared Evan
Replacements: 16. Lowri Harries 17. Megan York 18. Sian Williams 19. Clare Flowers 20. Amy Day 21. Rebecca De Filippo 22. Caryl James
For any further information contact Wales Women media manager Graeme Gillespie on [email protected] or Tel 07740612790
ENDS
