Lynn names Wales side to face Scotland in Six Nations opener

BBC News

20-03-2025

Women's Six Nations: Scotland v WalesVenue: The Hive Stadium, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 22 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMTCoverage: Watch live on BBC One Wales, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport online and listen on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru
Sean Lynn has named his highly anticipated first Test side since taking over as Wales head coach.Hannah Jones will lead the team out against Scotland in their Women's Six Nations opener in Edinburgh on Saturday.She will be joined in the centre by GB Sevens Olympian Kayleigh Powell who usually plays fly-half or full-back.Fellow Olympian Jasmine Joyce starts at 15 with Lisa Neumann and Carys Cox named on the wings.Lleucu George and Keira Bevan resume their half-back partnership, while the pack has a new look with Lynn showing confidence in the young forwards who shone in the Celtic Challenge. Maisie Davies and Jenni Scoble join Carys Phillips in the front-row, with Abbie Fleming and Alaw Pyrs packing in behind.Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis and Georgia Evans make up the back row.Wales have plenty of experience to call on from the bench which has a five forward and three backs split.Gwenllian Pyrs has recovered from shoulder surgery and will be looking to join younger sister Alaw on the pitch, while Kelsey Jones has returned from a serious knee injury.Gwen Crabb has also got some game time under her belt in the Celtic Challenge after overcoming her latest injury, while Donna Rose provides front row cover.Meg Davies is the replacement scrum-half, with Courtney Keight and Nel Metcalfe the backs.
Lynn signed off his Gloucester-Hartpury career last weekend by winning a third successive Premiership Women's Rugby title."It's been a hectic and busy week with a short turnaround but the excitement in the squad has been infectious," he said. "The message has been a simple one to the players, be you to be us and let's build our identity, starting with Scotland away."The family is back together, and the players, coaches and staff have all worked hard to create the right environment for everyone to flourish."We know Test matches with Scotland have been traditionally close and tight affairs, but we are looking forward to the challenge."We have selected a side full of experienced Welsh internationals who have hit real form for their clubs and have a mix of the exciting young talent who have impressed in the Celtic Challenge."
Wales squad to face Scotland
Jasmine Joyce: Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones (capt), Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Maisie Davies, Carys Phillips, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Alaw Pyrs, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Georgia Evans.Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Gwen Crabb, Bryonie King, Meg Davies, Courtney Keight, Nel Metcalfe.