FRESH FACES IN THE WALES SET-UP

There are 12 changes to the senior squad, with Amy Day, Beth Hawke, Rachel Poolman, Caryl Thomas, Amy Thompson and Hannah Torangi graduating from the U19s and Philippa Tuttiet stepping up from the Development squad. 

The squad is bolstered with the return of the enigmatic season 2003-4 Captain, Mellissa Berry, and experienced senior internationals, Clare Flowers, Jamie Kift, Dawn Mason and Naomi Thomas. 

At Development Squad level, a total of 11 new players have been called up.  Starting out in senior international rugby are Rhian Adams, Jenna Gregg, Sarah Simkin, Rachel Taylor and Stephanie Turnbull, while Abby King, Karen Mayze and Becky Stroud return to the international scene.  They are joined by Welsh Students’ internationals Christie Thompson, and identical twins Sophie and Lucy Edwards. 

Head Coach, Fielies Coetsee, commented “The weekend demonstrated that we have a wealth of talent in Wales.  We have selected two strong squads that will now prepare for the forthcoming Autumn Internationals.  Within both squads there have been a significant number of changes, demonstrating that this is a fresh start for Welsh Women’s rugby.  We have an open-door policy and all players still have the opportunity to make a stake for squad places leading up to the Six Nations.  We expect there to be strong competition for positions with the potential for movement between and into squads.” 

Senior Squad
Mellissa Berry;  Amy Broadstock; Rachel Brown; Amy Day; Elen Evans;  Non Evans;  Clare Flowers;  Beth Hawke;  Louise Horgan; Claire Horgan;  Kerry Jenkins;  Jamie Kift;  Eirlys Lougher;  Dawn Mason;  Catrina Nicholas;  Rachel Poolman;  Louise Rickard;  Awen Thomas;  Caryl Thomas;  Naomi Thomas;  Amy Thompson;  Hannah Torangi;  Philippa Tuttiett;  Manon Williams;  Rhian Williams;  Kylie Wilson

Development Squad
Rhian Adams;  Louise Akers;  Lucy Berry;  Rhian Bowden;  Becky Davies;  Jenny Davies;  Tanya Davies;  Claire Donovan;  Lucy Edwards;  Sophie Edwards;  Lowri Evans;  Mared Evans;  Nicola Evans;  Vikki Gaylard;  Jenna Gregg;  Nicola John;  Abby King;  Karen Mayze;  Paula Mullen;  Hannah Roberts;  Sarah Simkin;  Heledd Stephens;  Becky Stroud;  Rachel Taylor;  Christie Thompson;  Stephanie Turnbull;  Gemma Williams;  Sophie Williams