Jasmine, Lleucu, Carys & Courtney: The Pride of Pembrokeshire
Four rugby players from Pembrokeshire are gearing up to take on Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations this weekend. Jasmine Joyce, Lleucu George, Carys Phillips, and Courtney Keight will represent Wales in this challenging match.
Wales Women’s head coach, Ioan Cunningham, is bringing back Joyce for the thirdround showdown against Ireland at Virgin Media Park in Cork on April 13 at 4.45pm. George, formerly with Crymych Ladies, is set to form a formidable partnership with Keira Bevan in the half-back position.
Carys Phillips, with roots in St Davids through her father, former Wales international Rowland Phillips, will join Sisilia Tuipulotu and Gwenllian Pyrs in the front row for this crucial fixture. Meanwhile, Keight from
Tenby will provide her contributions from the bench.
Adding to the excitement, Gwennan Hopkins is poised to make her debut for Wales, having been named on the bench for the upcoming match.
Coach Cunningham reflected on their preparations, stating, “We have put the fallow week to good use and had a thorough debrief of where we are after the first two games in this Six Nations campaign. The focus has been on putting the hard work in and looking at the good things we have done and what we need to tighten up on against Ireland in Cork.”
Highlighting Joyce’s return, Cunningham added, “Having a player of the quality of Jaz back is a real boost. She has that X-factor, and we will need all her experience against Ireland.”
Express ing anticipation for the challenge ahead, Cunningham concluded, “We know Ireland at home will be a real challenge, but it is one we are looking forward to, and we are determined to produce a performance to make everyone proud.”
The Wales Women’s team to face Ireland:
Jenny Hesketh, Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones (captain), Kerin Lake, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender (vicecaptain), and Bethan Lewis. Replacements include Molly Reardon, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones, Kayleigh Powell, and Courtney Keight.