Phillips predicts big future for Wales

Wales

WALES head coach Rowland Phillips has named 10 uncapped players in his 36-strong squad for the 2018 Women’s Six Nations.

Ospreys trio Natalia John, Amy Thomas and Cara Hope, plus Scarlets’ Beth Lewis and Cardiff Blues’ Awen Prysor are named among the forwards.

Scarlets contribute three to the backs in Jade Knight, Angharad De Smet and Lisa Neumann, with Cardiff Blues’ Hannah Bluck and Osprey Alecs Donovan.

“There’s a fresh feel to the squad,” Phillips said.

“They’ve brought a real hunger and energy to training, which is infectious.”

Phillips will have a depleted squad for the opening fixture against Scotland, as seven players will be on sevens duty in Brisbane as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games in April.

So Wales have also named a development team of six players – Amy Morgan, India Berbillion, Katie Jenkins, Katie Thicker, Liliana Podpadec, Teleri Davies – who will train with the senior squad.

Phillips added: “Their presence will reinforce the squad. Even though they may not quite be ready for Six Nations rugby, they are players who we feel will benefit from working alongside the squad as part of their development.”

Skipper Carys Phillips is excited by the potential of youth in the side.

“It’s a good opportunity to get these youngsters in,” said the captain.

“It’s good to get so many in the squad ahead of the World Cup. The future is excellent and it’s a very exciting time.”

Italy

■ITALY had a difficult campaign in 2017 but have plenty of causes for optimism deriving from their World Cup wins over Spain and Japan, and the partnership between exciting young fly-half Beatrice Rigoni and scrum-half Sara Barattin, who also captains the side.

“This year we are better prepared,” said Barattin. “We played games in November and have been in camp twice. We have had more time together and the results will come.”