Head coach Ashley Beck has named the Brython Thunder squad for the Celtic Challenge opener against Glasgow Warriors at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, December 20. (KO:12.30pm).
Flanker Jess Rogers will captain the side with Wales lock Gwen Crabb sidelined due to a knee injury.
Experienced Welsh international second row Natalia John is drafted straight into the side from her club in the PWR. John is one of five Welsh internationals named in the Thunder starting line-up to face the Scots in Llanelli.
Branwen Metcalfe, 19, who made her Wales debut in RWC 2025, makes her Celtic Challenge debut for Thunder at No. 8.
Welsh international Ffion Lewis (pictured) is named at scrum-half and she is joined by fellow Welsh internationals Mollie Wilkinson at full-back and Amelia Tutt on the wing.
Exciting fly-half Hanna Marshall, who returns from GB Sevens duty, partners Lewis at half-back, while Seren Singleton, who impressed for the Thunder last season, is on the wing.
Beck said: “Brython Thunder is still a young squad, but we have plenty of Celtic Challenge experience and we cannot wait to get started.
“We know what to expect in this league and have to gel as a squad and build our game and enjoy the challenges ahead.
“The opportunity to play Glasgow, a side full of international players, is one we are relishing.
“We did the double over them last season, but they are very different proposition this time round and will provide us with a challenge for our first game at Parc y Scarlets.”
The Thunder recorded two wins against the Warriors last season and finished fourth in the Celtic Challenge table.
Tickets are £10 for adults with free entry for U16s & Students with a student card.
Brython Thunder v Glasgow Warriors
15 Mollie Wilkinson; 14 Amelia Tutt, 13 Ellie Tromans, 12 Gabby Healen, 11 Seren Singleton; 10 Hanna Marshall, 9 Ffion Lewis; 1 Stella Orrin, 2 Shanelle Williams, 3 Elan Jones, 4 Robyn Davies, 5 Natalia John, 6 Catrin Jones, 7 Jess Rogers (capt), 8 Branwen Metcalfe.
Replacements: 16 Amy Morgan,17 Meg Lewis,18 Rhoswen James, 19 Mia Haf Bowen, 20 Finley Jones, 21 Seren Lockwood, 22 Ffion Williams, 23 Meg Webb