Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community

Wales will be desperate to turn around their 9-8 defeat up in Scotland and continue their winning form against the Irish. Wales won 13-9 in Limerick last season and with confidence high in the camp they will be looking for a second successive victory against their Irish counterparts.

Wales make one change to the starting XV with Lowena Sandercock (Llandaff North) making her first start on the right wing, Naomi Thomas (UWIC) moves in to outside half with Awen Thomas (Carmarthen Quins) dropping to the bench.

Attentions then turn to this Sunday and a double header at Caerphilly RFC. Wales U19 kick the day off against England U19 at 12 noon. Following their recent victories against both Canada and America U19, Wales’ preparation has been first class and this will certainly help them on Sunday. Wales lost the corresponding fixture 12-7 in Chester last year but with a stronger squad now in place as the U16’s begin to graduate through, this should also be a close encounter.

Led by Eirlys Lougher (Carmarthen Quins), Wales will look to use the speed of wingers Becca Stilwell (Carmarthen Quins) and Gemma Williams (Pontyclun) and the guile of Dolgellau’s Elen Evans at full back to beat the English.

The final fixture of the weekend also takes place at Caerphilly at 2pm. The Welsh Development XV take on the England Academy side. Bala’s Lowri Jones captains the squad as they look to keep their 100% record this season having beaten England Students 22-10 last month.

Names looking to impress the National coaches include Esther Eckley (Llandaff North), Nicola John (UWIC) and Kirsty Hudson (Wasps) as coach Wayne Pugh uses this game to finalise his plans for the development tour to Scotland in May.

National Squad v Ireland

1 Catrin Edwards

2 Jamie Kift

3 Kath Lenaghan

4 Ayla Rose

5 Cath Foale

6 Mel Berry CAPT

7 Kylie Wilson

8 April Dent

9 Cath Walkley

10 Naomi Thomas

11 Lowena Sandercock