Capt Gemma Rowland (RA) has followed up her action in Wales’s Six Nations warm-up friendly against a USA Falcons XV with selection in her country’s full squad for Europe’s showcase international tournament.
Capt Rowland played in two of Wales’s three matches in 2021, and while the team was not able to record a victory the WRU has signed a dozen players on full-time contracts since then, as well as appoint a new coaching team under the leadership of Ioan Cunningham.
Wales did get a pair of wins in the autumn over Japan and South Africa, and Cunningham is keen to use those matches as a springboard into the Six Nations.
“It’s about building on our performance in the autumn where we managed to get two wins which we were really happy with,” he said.
“From my point of view and the coaching team we are super excited for the Six Nations which has crowds back. It’s going to be brilliant for the girls to play in front of supporters and feeling that passion. especially at home.
“We can’t wait for that first home game. There’s a good mixture of experience and young talent in the squad we’ve picked.”
Wales play Ireland on March 26th, Scotland on April 2nd, England on April 9th, France on April 22nd, and Italy on April 30th.
Elsewhere this weekend Gnr Senitiki Nayalo (7 Para RHA) starts for Coventry as the Championship outfit welcome Jersey Reds to Butts Park Arena.
Image © Alligin Photography, Neil Kennedy
Gnr Nayalo scored on his last outing for the blue and whites, before scoring twice against Coventry while in Army red a fortnight ago.
Coventry are unbeaten in their last two league matches, overwhelming London Scottish and then pipping Bedford at Goldington Road last time out.
Meanwhile Jersey’s form has been strong in 2022, their three losses only coming against the three teams who are battling it out at the top of the table. Their 64 league points has them sitting fourth in the table, but with Saturday the Reds’ last game they will not be able to trouble the race for the title, regardless of the result.
A win for Coventry could move them up several places in the table themselves, a good motivation for their final home league match of the season, which kicks off at 1500hrs on Saturday.
Words © New Dogs, Old Tricks. Header and Featured Image © Craig Watson
