Pembrokeshire women in Wales’ squad to face France

Four women with links to Pembrokeshire have been named in Wales' squad to face France on Sunday.

Courtney Keight fromTenby, Lleucu George who played for Crymych, Carys Phillips, whose dad is from St Davids, and Jasmine Joyce from St Davids are all set to feature in the Women’s Guinness Six Nations match at the Cardiff Arms Park on April 21, starting at 3.15pm.

Keight has been placed on the wing following her impressive performances against England and Ireland, whilst Phillips will also take a starting position.

George will play at half back, partnered with Sian Jones who is returning as scrum half.

Joyce is slated to join from the bench.

The full Welsh team also includes Kayleigh Powell, who is set to make her first appearance for her country since facing New Zealand in the World Cup in 2022, and Hannah Jones, who will captain the side and be partnered in midfield by Carys Cox.

The squad sees five changes and two positional alterations to face a French team currently ranked second in the table.

Wales head coach, Ioan Cunningham, unveiled the team, noting that this would be a significant match for the Welsh side.

He praised Keight, saying: “Kayleigh and Courtney have impressed and made an impact when they have come on and deserve their places in the starting line-up.”

Mr Cunningham said: "France are one of the best teams in the world, they are a real force in the world game and are a major challenge for us and they are favourites for this Test match."

Showing a forward-looking attitude, he continued: "We have all taken a long hard look at ourselves this week and have stripped our game back and focused on what we have to do.

"We have drawn a line in the sand, and we need a performance at Cardiff Arms Park."

The coach hailed the opportunity to play in front of home supporters as an opportunity to show the team's character.

Mr Cunningham said: "Playing in front of our own supporters provides us with an opportunity to show who we are, and we have nothing to lose.

"We are a good rugby team and we have selected a squad to meet the challenge ahead of us."

Wales Women's team to face France (Sunday, April 21, kick off 3.15pm): Kayleigh Powell, Catherine Richards, Hannah Jones (captain), Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lleucu George, Sian Jones; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender (vice-captain), Georgia Evans.

Replacements: Molly Reardon, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Kate Williams, Gwennan Hopkins, Keira Bevan, Mollie Wilkinson, Jasmine Joyce