Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis has named a training squad for a season which concludes with the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
He has named a group of 34 which includes 6 uncapped players. Lewis will select his players for this November’s friendly Test against Sweden and the Women’s Six Nations Championship from this squad before narrowing it down ahead of the global tournament which will be held across the Severn Bridge in England next summer.
“It’s a strong squad and we’re probably flying in the face in terms of national squads, as we’ve increased the group to 34. I want to create a really competitive environment within the squad so no-one feels their place is secure. I think the squad is moving in right direction,” said Lewis.
“We aspire to be world champions. We’re not so stupid as to think that is an easy task, it will be very tough,” he admitted.
“It will take a lot of work and lot of effort on my part, of the players and management to get us competitive on the world stage but we are committed to that so who knows what can happen?”
Mel Berry continues as captain of the side and believes last season will stand the girls in good stead as they go into World Cup season.
“Winning the Triple Crown and beating England was a good stepping stone for us. It gave us a lot of self belief in our ability to take every game at a time and win those games. Once again this season, we will look to play our autumn and Six Nations games to the best of our ability while using them as a stepping stone towards the world cup at the end of the season.”
Talented Cardiff Quins fly-half Elinor Snowsill is one of the uncapped players in the squad who is hoping to impress the national selectors. She captained the national Under 20s side last season and has made rapid strides since switching codes from football.
“It’s such a privilege to be here with the girls and just to be part of preparations. Within the squad we’re all positive. We’re obviously thinking of the World Cup but there are a number of stepping stones to cross before we get there with autumn internationals and the Six Nations. Hopefully we learn from those games but the expectation is to get to the final.”
Last season may have been the best in Welsh women’s history, but coach Jason Lewis still believes it could have been even better.
Lewis’s squad claimed the Triple Crown for the first time after beating arch rivals England, Scotland and Ireland but a defeat out in France denied Wales a Grand Slam.
“We can look back and see that it was the most successful year in women’s rugby but in my coach’s mind, I’m still left with what could have been a grand slam,” he said, referring to the defeat against the Tricolores, before adding: “I think there is still more in the tank.”
All eyes are now on next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup with a series of training weekends already underway.
Wales Women training squad:
Forwards:
Mellissa Berry (capt, Blaydon), Jenny Davies (Waterloo), Claire Horgan (Saracens), Louise Horgan (Saracens), Hannah Roberts (UWIC), Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins), Becky Newton* (Cardiff Quins), Rhian Bowden (UWIC), Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins), Claire Donovan (Saracens), Beth Hawke (Bristol Ladies), Jamie Kift (Bristol Ladies), Carys John (UWIC), Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins), Hannah Torangi (UWIC), Lisa Newton* (UWIC)
Backs:
Amy Day (Bristol Ladies), Laura Prosser (Cardiff Quins), Laura Marsh* (Woodbridge), Awen Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Naomi Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Elinor Snowsill* (Cardiff Quins), Clare Flowers (Bristol Ladies), Rachel Poolman (UWIC), Kaye Rees* (Harlequins), Ceri Redman* (UWIC), Heledd Stephens (UWIC), Louise Rickard (Woodbridge), Hayley Baxter (Cardiff Quins), Non Evans (Clifton), MAred Evans (UWIC), Aimee Young (UWIC), Alison Wright (Oakmeadians)
* = uncapped player
