Wales Women’s head coach Rhys Edwards has named a 28-strong squad for the 2012 Six Nations campaign with Cardiff Quins’ back row Rachel Taylor unveiled as the captain.
Taylor, who has fought back valiantly from a potential career-ending injury sustained in the 2009 World Cup, takes over the captaincy from prop Catrin Edwards who is unavailable for selection.
The 2012 Six Nations squad contains seven uncapped players with props Megan Yorke and Nia Jones joining flanker Nia Davies along with centres Rebecca De Filippo and Phillipa Tuttiett joined by winger Rhianydd Morgan and full back Rosie Fletcher in the backs.
The campaign will be a groundbreaking one for Wales as they will play England at Twickenham while hosting Italy at the Millennium Stadium (kick off to be confirmed).
“It’s going to be a huge season for us but our focus has first got to be our first game away to Ireland,” explained Edwards.
“It would be great if we can get a good start and build some momentum against Scotland before going to Twickenham and playing Italy at the Millennium Stadium. Playing at the Millennium Stadium is a huge opportunity for the team to play at the home of Welsh rugby in one of the best stadiums in the world.”
On the decision to name Taylor as skipper, Edwards said: “Rachel Taylor will be captain of the side and she will take us through to the next World Cup hopefully.
“Tails is someone who doesn’t hide from a challenge, she does all her talking on the pitch and her leadership skills stand her in good stead as a captain.”
One selection which may raise a few eyebrows is that of experienced midfielder Clare Flowers as a back row. Flowers has played 69 times in the midfield but has made a successful move to the pack and fully deserves her place, says Edwards.
“You can’t take experience away from anyone and Clare is someone who has been there and done it,” he observed.
“Granted it has been in the backs but she has come back from a serious injury and to see her come back from that shows she is mentally strong, she’s got the right attitude and wants to be there and the fact she has moved positions to the back row is a huge step but she has taken it and is in the squad on merit.”
Wales Women Six Nations squad:
Forwards
Jenny Davies, *Megan Yorke, *Nia Jones, Caryl Thomas, Lowri Harries, Rhian Bowden, Shona Powell Hughes, Vicky Owens, Rachel Taylor (capt), Lisa Newton, *Nia Davies, Sioned Harries, Jamie Kift, Clare Flowers, Sian Williams.
Backs
Amy Day, Laura Prosser, Naomi Thomas, Elen Evans, *Rebecca De Filippo, Ceri Redman, *Phillipa Tuttiett, Charlie Murray, Caryl James, *Rhianydd Morgan, Mared Evans, Aimee Young, *Rosie Fletcher.
* Uncapped