Neath Athletic’s Taviner was one of the youngest members of the last World Cup squad held in Guildford but she hasn’t figured for Wales for two seasons. Taviner was the standout performer for her club during their successful Super Cup run which saw Neath claim the crown on Saturday in the final against Pontyclun where Taviner scored twice.
Uncapped Hale was part of the extended squad for Wales during the Six Nations campaign but didn’t figure at all during the championship but her ability to cover the front row and second row has seen her included in the 26-strong squad.
Rafiuke Taylor also returns to the squad having missed out on the Six Nations but her impressive form on the wing for Wales Sevens has ensured her inclusion.
Wales Women’s head coach Rhys Edwards has admitted he had to make some tough selection calls with Ffion Bowen, Vicky Owens and Hannah Jones the unlucky players to miss out.
“With 50 days to go now before we begin our campaign against France, we can now concentrate on the group and focus fully on the job at hand. We’ve also got six players on a reserve list for cover in case of any injuries et cetera.
“Some tough calls had to be made – Hannah is still only 17 so she has plenty of time on her side to play in future World Cups while Vicky and Ffion were unfortunate to be in positions which were hotly contested.
“Adi’s inclusion is not a gamble at all as she has been on our radar for some time even though she hasn’t been playing international rugby. She has been playing really well and is in a good place plus she covers centre and the back three.
“Ultimately we have taken the last two years into account when picking the squad – from training, off the pitch and on the pitch and it is a side I believe has plenty of potential to do well in France,” he added.
Wales will begin their campaign against the hosts on August 1 at the impressive Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) headquarters in Marcoussis, before taking on Australia (Aug 5) and South Africa (Aug 9) in their other pool games.
Wales Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 squad
Forwards:
Meg York (Blaenau Gwent)
Caryl Thomas (Bath Ladies)
Catrin Edwards (Bristol Ladies)
Jenny Davies (Waterloo)
Cerys Hale (Pontyclun)
Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic)
Carys Phillips (Bristol Ladies)
Jenny Hawkins (Llandaff North)
Shona Powell Hughes (Neath Athletic)
Catrina Nicholas (Llandaff North)
Sian Williams (Worcester)
Sioned Harries (Llandaff North)
Rachel Taylor (Bristol Ladies)
Nia Davies (Cardiff Met)
Backs
Sian Moore (Bristol Ladies)
Amy Day (Llandaff North)
Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Ladies)
Robyn Wilkins (Llandaff North)
Rebecca De Filippo (Bristol Ladies)
Elen Evans (Waterloo)
Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic)
Elli Norkett (Neath Athletic)
Rafiuke Taylor (Pontyclun)
Dyddgu Hywel (Bristol Ladies)
Laurie Harries (Llandaff North)
Philippa Tuttiett (Bristol Ladies)
