Wales coach Jason Lewis has named a 28-strong squad full of experience for the Women’s Six Nations Championship as he looks for the form that saw them finish second behind Grand Slam winners England in 2008.
Mellissa Berry will lead Wales out for the 50th time – on what will be her 70th cap – when they kick of their 2009 campaign against Scotland at Meggetland in Edinburgh on Sunday, 8 February.
The back row is one of six squad members with over 50 caps, the others being Claire Donovan (66), Jamie Kift (64), Clare Flowers (58), Non Evans (71) and Louise Rickard, the most capped player in the history of the Women’s Game with 103 appearances for Wales.
Ali Wright is the only uncapped player in the squad, although Lewis welcomes back the likes of centre Rachel Poolman, scrum half Kerry Jenkins and forward Hannah Torangi following injury lay-offs.
World Cup in mind
Wales suffered a heavy 55-0 loss to England in the opening match in 2008, but bounced back well to beat Scotland 23-6, Italy 27-5, Ireland 19-10 and France 3-0 to finish second behind Grand Slam winners England.
With the qualification process for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 – which will be held in London – taking place this year, the Championship takes on added significance for all six countries.
“This is an important Championship for us with World Cup qualification at stake,” admitted Lewis. “With all selected players fit and available, I feel we have got more strength in depth in the squad than we’ve seen in recent years.
“We have just finished a three-day training camp and we have a friendly against the Nomads at London Wasps Amateur on Saturday which will give us a stern test as we step up our Six Nations preparations.”
After facing Scotland, Wales host England at Taffs Well RFC on 14 February, travel to Montauban to play France on 28 February, tackle Italy in Mira on 15 March and end the campaign at home against Ireland on 21 March.
Wales Women’s squad for Six Nations:
Forwards: Jennifer Davies, Catrin Edwards, Hannah Roberts, Claire Horgan, Rhian Bowden, Gemma Hallett, Louise Horgan, Claire Donovan, Rachel Taylor, Mellissa Berry (Captain), Jamie Kift, Carys Jon, Catrina Nicholas, Hannah Torangi.
Backs: Kerry Jenkins, Amy Day, Laura Prosser, Awen Thomas, Naomi Thomas, Clare Flowers, Rachel Poolman, Aimee Young, Louise Rickard, Heledd Stephens, Non Evans, Ali Wright.
