Caryl Thomas has been named in the Wales squad for this Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations clash with Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 5pm, BBC Two Wales).
Thomas returned to the Wales fold for last weekend’s trip to France, two years after winning her last cap – underlining her resurgence in form for Warriors Women in the Allianz Premier 15s.
Wales Head Coach Warren Abrahams said, “We are all proud and privileged to represent the Wales jersey. Last weekend’s loss hurts us all, but that pain is important if we want to improve and be competitive against the best sides in the world.
“It was a great benchmark, and it is up to every member of the Wales Women programme now to take responsibility. Those who take it will stay on the bus and we will keep driving towards that vision.
“We’re going to focus on what we can control, keep believing in process and the people around us. We believe we have the best team to represent the squad this weekend. It’s a chance for some players to start the game and we have youngsters Niamh and Caitlin on the bench too. We are enthused by the performance of the new caps last weekend.”
Wales team v Ireland
15 Robyn Wilkins (Gloucester-Hartpury)
14 Lisa Neumann (Sale Sharks)
13 Hannah Jones (vice-capt, Gloucester-Hartpury)
12 Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury)
11 Courtney Keight (Bristol Bears)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Bears)
9 Jess Roberts (Sale Sharks);
1 Cara Hope (Gloucester-Hartpury)
2 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)
3 Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury)
4 Natalia John (Bristol Bears)
5 Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury)
6 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
7 Manon Johnes (Bristol Bears)
8 Siwan Lillicrap (capt, Bristol Bears)
Replacements
16 Molly Kelly (Sale Sharks)
17 Caryl Thomas (Worcester Warriors)
18 Donna Rose (Saracens)
19 Teleri Wyn Davies (Sale Sharks)
20 Bethan Dainton (Harlequins)
21 Megan Davies (Exeter Chiefs)
22 Niamh Terry (Exeter Chiefs)
23 Caitlin Lewis (Cardiff Met)