We are ready for RWC test, says skipper

WALES Women skipper Siwan Lillicrap says her side’s Rugby World Cup draw provides a great test after they were pooled with hosts New Zealand, Australia and the final qualification winner.

The tournament takes place between September 18 and October 16 next year at Auckland’s Eden Park, Waitakere Stadium and Whangarei’s Northland Events Centre.

And Lillicrap said: “It will be great to test ourselves against southern hemisphere teams that we don’t get to play very often, and to play New Zealand as hosts will be something very special.

“We played them in 2017, they are current champions and a real benchmark in the sport. It can only be good for us and what better place to rise to that challenge than New Zealand.

“Knowing two of three of our pool opponents really focusses the mind and gives us a target to prepare for.”

Lillicrap believes the tournament could take women’s rugby to another dimension in terms of participation and popularity.

“The tournament could be one of the first major team sporting events after the pandemic and I’m sure it will galvanise the sport and generate a huge step-up in profile for the women’s game.

“The hard work starts now but knowing the rewards waiting for us include playing the likes of New Zealand and Australia makes that so much easier. We are looking forward to getting started with our new coaches Warren (Abrahams) and Rachel (Taylor).”

New Wales Women skills coach Taylor, who took part in the live draw show virtually, said, “Playing the hosts New Zealand is huge.

“When we played hosts France to open the 2014 tournament, the atmosphere for the players was epic and it will be the same for our players next year.”