Wales Women have lined up three challenging and varied opponents for their autumn internationals, providing a litmus test of their progress ahead of the 2019 Women’s Six Nations.
Rowland Phillips’ side will take on South Africa, Hong Kong and Canada in consecutive November weekends as a tune-up for February’s Championship.
For the first time, the women’s games will take place on the same day and in the same city as the men, who face Australia, Tonga and South Africa next door.
With all three games staged at Cardiff Arms Park, Phillips called on the Welsh public to roar his team to three victories against tough opposition.
“We’ll be hosting teams from three different continents – they’ll provide strong and varied opposition for us and all be coming to Cardiff well prepared,” he said.
“We’re always trying to push the profile and standards of the women’s game, and the players make a lot of sacrifices to represent their country.
“We’ve had great support at the Arms Park before and we’re hoping for even more this time around.”
They face South Africa in the opening rubber, a renewing of a rivalry that saw the two sides meet at the World Cup in 2014 when Wales won 35-3.
Hong Kong, another side they met at the World Cup four years ago, visit the following week before world number four outfit Canada roll into Cardiff for the final game.
Geraint John, Head of Rugby Performance, said: “We’d like to thank World Rugby for helping us with these fixtures, which represent an opportunity for Rowland to see players who have worked hard during the regional programme, and it will give them the chance to show their skills at Test level.
“Hopefully we will see people come in and support the players at the Arms Park, because these matches will help to keep the women’s and girls’ game growing in Wales.”
