Head coach Rowland Phillips says that every member of his squad for next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup has fully earned their selection – including teenager Lleucu George.
The 17-year-old back-rower, who plays her club rugby for Scarlets, has been picked as part of Wales’ 28-strong party for August’s showpiece, which kicks off in Dublin on Wednesday, August 9.
While the likes of Elen Evans, Sioned Harries, Shona Powell-Hughes, Elinor Snowsill and Rachel Taylor are in line to feature in their third Women’s Rugby World Cup, Phillips has also kept one eye on the future.
“Lleucu’s inclusion highlights the value of our warm-up matches,” said the Wales chief, whose team have tested themselves against Japan, Spain and England.
“We’ve given new players opportunities over the past few weeks and she’s one who’s grasped them with both hands.
“Physically, she’s more than capable enough to deal with the rigours of international rugby, which is impressive for someone so young, but we’ll be smart with how we manage her.
“Having experience amongst the squad is valuable, but more important is the fact that our selections are based on merit.
“We started with a squad of 50, which had to be whittled down to 28, so there’s inevitably going to be disappointment for some players.
“Our job as coaches is to make sure that we’ve made the right decisions.”
Wales’ campaign begins against New Zealand at Billings Park on the opening day of the tournament and they also face Canada and Hong Kong in Pool A.
Wales Women’s squad for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup:
Forwards: Alisha Butchers (Scarlets); Mel Clay (Ospreys); Amy Evans (Ospreys); Lleucu George (Scarlets); Cerys Hale (Dragons); Sioned Harries (Scarlets); Morfudd Ifans (Scarlets); Kelsey Jones (Ospreys); Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys); Carys Phillips (captain, Ospreys); Shona Powell-Hughes (Ospreys); Gwenllian Pyrs (Scarlets); Rebecca Rowe (Dragons); Rachel Taylor (Scarlets); Caryl Thomas (Scarlets); Megan York (Dragons).
Backs: Keira Bevan (Ospreys); Elen Evans (Scarlets); Jodie Evans (Scarlets); Rebecca De Filippo (Dragons); Dyddgu Hywel (Scarlets); Hannah Jones (Scarlets); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets); Sian Moore (Dragons); Jess Kavanagh-Williams (Scarlets); Gemma Rowland (Dragons); Elinor Snowsill (Dragons); Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys).
