Edwards makes his first Wales selection

DARREN Edwards has been confirmed as interim lead coach for Wales Women’s rescheduled Six Nations match against Scotland on the weekend of October 31.

The Wales Sevens men’s head coach who has previously coached Bath, Dragons and Wales U20, will be assisted by Chris Horsman, Geraint Lewis and Gareth Wyatt in preparing the squad for this match one year out from the next Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

A 35-strong squad has been named which includes one uncapped player in forward Laura Bleehen, and the return of experienced forwards Shona PowellHughes and Caryl Thomas and back Alecs Donovan. Siwan Lillicrap retains the captaincy she held throughout the championship and since last November.

WRU performance director Ryan Jones said: “Darren has a wealth of experience and ahead of the appointment of a new head coach, he is in an excellent position to add to the skillset of the other coaches who made progress in a number of areas last season.”

Edwards is looking forward to the fresh coaching challenge.

“I enjoy challenges and I think we’re all pleased to be back on the rugby pitch again after such a long lay-off.

“There is a really good support team behind me – the rest of the interim coaching team will be invaluable after leading the squad throughout last season.

“We met up for the first time last night under a progressive return to play plan for Wales Women. The players have clearly worked very hard on a personal level over the past six months – we are all thrilled we can now train together as a squad of players and coaches.

“I observed Wales Women last year and I know they created a great environment. Environment is key for me. I’m a great believer in behaviours, how you take ownership for your individual and group training.”

WALES WOMEN SIX NATIONS SQUAD 2020: FORWARDS:

Laura Bleehen (uncapped), Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Cerys Hale, Cara Hope, Natalia John, Manon Johnes, Kelsey Jones, Molly Kelly, Bethan Lewis, Siwan Lillicrap, Robyn Lock, Shona Powell-Hughes, Gwenllian Pyrs, Caryl Thomas

BACKS: Keira Bevan, Hannah Bluck, Alecs Donovan, Lleucu George, Hannah Jones, Jasmine Joyce, Courtney Keight, Kerin Lake, Caitlin Lewis, Ffion Lewis, Lisa Neumann, Kayleigh Powell, Paige Randall, Lauren Smyth, Elinor Snowsill, Megan Webb, Robyn Wilkins