The squad for Brython Thunder, who will represent Wales in the new expanded cross-border Celtic Challenge for the New Year, has been unveiled.
Former Wales internationals Ashley Beck will be head coach of the 30-strong squad
The new WRU-owned teams, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, will play Irish and Scottish opposition, home and away, in the cross-border tournament.
The Welsh sides will mark the first historic game in a Welsh derby double-header at Rodney Parade on New Year’s Day (2pm).
Beck, who won seven Wales caps, was appointed as Worcester Warriors Women’s attack coach before the club’s demise in November, has named a Thunder squad with an impressive mix of experience and young talent.
Wales Test stars like Alex Callendar, Sioned Harries, Natalia John, Meg Davies, Hannah Bluck, Meg Webb and Niamh Terry have all been named in his squad, alongside exciting talent like Ellie May Troman and Seren Singleton.
Beck said: “We have an exciting blend of proven Test match players and players of real potential at this level in the squad. The challenge for us is to come together as a squad and realise what a great opportunity we have to set a new standard as we build into the Celtic Challenge.
“We know there is an expectation because we have some international players in the squad, and we need all the experience and leadership they have because we are a new team. We know we need to establish our own identity to meet the challenges of Gwalia Lightning in our Welsh derby and the teams in Ireland and Scotland.”
Brython Thunder squad: Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Alex Callender, Katie Carr, Rosie Carr, Cadi-Lois Davies, Rhian Thomas, Sioned Harries, Natalia John, Madi Johns, Finley Jones, Katie Mackay, Charlie Mundy, Carys Schofield, Shona Wakley, Georgia Morgan, Milly Summer, Meg Davies, Hannah Bluck, Katie Bevans, Sian Davies, Mollie Wilkinson, Danai Mugabe, Meg Webb, Eleanor Hing, Seren Singleton, Niamh Terry, Rachel Thomas, Ellie May Troman, Amy Williams, Lowri Williams
Tickets for the double-header of action are available NOW – click HERE to buy online or call the Ticket Office team at Rodney Parade on 01633 670690.
For more information on Gwalia Lightning, Brython Thunder and the new Celtic Challenge CLICK HERE
The Head coaches and management teams for Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder were announced last week – CLICK HERE for more details.