The Welsh Women’s senior squad travel to Ireland this weekend looking for their first win in the Six Nations championship and to retain their 100% record against the Irish. There have been several changes to the squad following their 10-30 defeat to Scotland at the Cardiff Arms Park last Saturday.
Claire Horgan starts in the front row after coming on as a substitute in the second half against Scotland. Becky Dando joins Ayla Rose in the second row, with Kath Foale on the bench. Kylie Wilson moves to the Number 8 position with Esther Eckley starting at Openside Flanker.
Awen Thomas and Non Evans await late fitness tests for Saturday’s game with fly half Stacey Saunders and Under 19 full back Elen Evans on standby. Lowri Jones and Lucy Berry take the last two places on the bench.
There is only one change to the Irish starting XV, with Rosie Foley coming off the bench to replace Jen Leacy in the second row.
The game kicks off at 3pm at Thormond Park, Limerick.
1 Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins)
2 Nicola John (Cardiff Quins)
3 Claire Horgan (Saracens)
4 Becky Dando (UWIC)
5 Ayla Rose (Llandaff North)
6 Mel Berry (Worcester) CAPTAIN
7 Esther Eckley (Llandaff North)
8 Kylie Wilson (Caernarfon)
9 Cath Walkley (Aberystwyth)
10 Awen Thomas (Cardiff Quins)
11 Hayley Baxter (UWIC)
12 Rhian Williams (Wasps)
13 Louise Rickard (Saracens)
14 Manon Williams (Caernarfon)
15 Non Evans (Clifton) Elen Evans
16 Dominique Atwood (Thirsk)
17 Amy Broadstock (Llandaff North)
18 Kath Foale (Saracens)
19 Emma Phillips (Llandaff North)
20 Kath Lenaghan (Cardiff Quins)
21 Lowri Jones (Bala)
22 Lucy Berry (Fishguard)
Stacey Saunders (Tylorstown) (Standby)
Elen Evans (Dolgellau) (Standby)
