Scarlets’ Harries to captain Wales Women

Menna Isaac News

Wales Women head coach Rowland Phillips has announced a fresh-faced team to play Hong Kong on Friday evening (Cardiff Arms Park, 7pm).

Scarlets Ladies number 8 Sioned Harries captains the side with three fellow Scarlets named in the matchday 23.

There are eight changes in the starting line-up from the team that beat South Africa 19-5 last Saturday.


Full back Lauren Smyth, who made her Wales debut aged 17 last weekend, keeps her place along with fellow backs Jasmine Joyce, Alecs Donovan and outside half Robyn Wilkins, while Alicia McComish makes her first start at inside centre and Lisa Neumann starts on the left wing.

In the forwards, another 17 year old, Glantaf pupil Manon Johnes, who came on early off the bench last Saturday to win her first senior cap, will make her first start on the blindside flank. She will join the backrow pair of Beth Lewis who retains her place on the openside, and captain Harries.


In the front five, only second row Mel Clay remains from last weekend’s win with her second row partner Gwen Crabb winning her first cap for Wales. 

There is a new front row with Cara Hope, Kelsey Jones and Cerys Hale and Hannah Jones joins an experienced bench.

Phillips said, “There is no chance of us underestimating Hong Kong, However, we are maximising the opportunity of an intense international period to build strength in depth as we build towards the Six Nations.

“We’re pleased with last weekend’s performance, especially with how the girls fronted up physically and defensively and there is plenty to build on.

“We had four first caps against South Africa and they all get a chance to build on that experience on Friday. It was pleasing to see Lauren adapt her skillset to international rugby and Manon, who came on earlier than expected showed what she is capable of. Sioned is an experienced player and captained the Scarlets in the recent regional programme so while it’s a young squad, there is a spine of experience too.

“It’s outstanding to have this three Test series to try things out and take the knowledge into the Six Nations.

“We were buoyed by a great crowd last Saturday, it would be good to enjoy the same vocal support again on Friday night to kick off the international weekend.”

Wales Women v Hong Kong, Friday 16 Nov 7pm, Cardiff Arms Park
Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Alecs Donnovan (Ospreys), Alicia McComish (Dragons), Lisa Neumann (RGC); Robyn Wilkins (Blues), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets); Cara Hope (Ospreys), Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Gwen Crabb (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Manon Johnes (Blues), Bethan Lewis (Dragons), Sioned Harries (capt, Scarlets)

Replacements:Carys Phillips (Ospreys), Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Natalia John (Ospreys), Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys), Keira Bevan (Ospreys), Hannah Jones (Scarlets) Jess Kavanagh (RGC);

Wales Women November Test Series
Saturday 10 November Wales Women 19-5 South Africa 
Fri 16 Nov Wales Women v Hong Kong 7pm
Sat 24 Nov Wales Women v Canada 11.30am
Tickets £5 adults, all concessions including students and senior tickets £1, available from Cardiff Blues ticket office https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffblues/Events/Index