Capt Gemma Rowland and Bdr Bethan Dainton (both Royal Artillery) are starting for Wales Women in the final round of Six Nations matches this weekend.
Capt Rowland and Bdr Dainton have both featured from the bench in Wales’s challenging campaign over the past few weeks, but they have been handed starting jerseys in the centres and back row respectively by head coach, Warren Abrahams.
Wales are heading to Glasgow to fact Scotland at Scotstoun on Saturday afternoon (KO 17:00), a match which can be watched via the BBC Sport website and app. Both teams will be looking to finish their Six Nations with a win, thereby avoiding the wooden spoon.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to go out one more time in a Six Nations match and represent the jersey,” Abrahams says.
“It’s a privilege to be in this position, opportunities like these don’t come around every day so we have to take responsibility now and make this one count.
“We know we didn’t start well in our first two matches, we have to make sure we get straight out from the blocks on Saturday and build our innings from there.
“I always believe in the team, and I know if they can get themselves in the best possible mindset, get on the front foot and make some bold decisions, they can show what they’re made of.”
Capt Nikki O’Donnell (QARANC) is also on international duty this weekend as assistant referee in the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy, also on Saturday afternoon.
With Bedford Blues having a bye week in the Championship, the only game to feature an Army men’s representative is at the Alpas Arena in Gloucestershire, where Gunner Senitiki Nayalo (7 Para RHA) starts for Coventry in their clash with Hartpury.
Gunner Nayalo has been in a strong vein of form in recent rounds, scoring two tries against Nottingham in Round 4 and another against Ampthill in Round 5, and contributing with his all-round play.
Just a couple of places and four league points separate Coventry and Hartpury in the Championship table.
Kick off on Saturday is 1300 with live streaming via www.championshiprugby.co.uk
Nikki O’Donnell refereeing Scotland v Italy last weekend © Craig Watson
Shane Nayalo in action for Coventry © Nick Meredith
Words © Chris Wearmouth, Header and Featured Image © Alligin Photography, Neil Kennedy
