Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions | Wales U19 Squad Announced

New faces include the North Walian quartet of forwards Sian Owen, Lowri Williams (both Denbigh RFC), winger Susan Bagnall (Ruthin) and centre Meriel Edwards (Bethesda).

West Wales provide prop Caryl Thomas and fly half Eulon Davies (both Llandeilo), winger Becky Stilwell (Carm Quins) and lock Stephanie Dew (Morriston).

Exiles Sophie Williams (Camberley) and Rhiannon Evans (Anstey) make the squad for the first time alongside the Llantwit Fardre trio of Hannah Torangi, Gemma Williams and Rhian Bowden.

Experience comes in the form of current senior squad members Stacey Saunders (Tylorstown) and Eirlys Lougher (Llandeilo) whilst Llandaff North provide five players in scrum half Amy Day, lock Vicky Gaylard, full back Vicky McGrath and centres Jess Kidley and Paula Mullen.

Last seasons captain, UWIC’s Marie Bancroft, is still eligible at U19 level and will be hoping to lead her country again on their week long tour to Miami in February.

Training begins on December 14^th with a warm up game against Llandaff North seniors on January 5^th. The squad will be reduced to 24 on January 6^th with the squad departing for America on February 17^th to play both America and Canada U19’s. They then face England U19 home and away on their return.

Head Coach Gareth Mahoney said: ” The standard has risen immeasurably over the last 12 months as the U16’s begin to come through. It was hard selecting 40 players so it will be an even tougher task getting it down to 24 but that’s what we want.”

Wales U19 squad:

Siobhan Appleby (Denbigh)

Susan Bagnall (Ruthin)

Amy Baker (Cwmbran)

Marie Bancroft (UWIC)

Kim Boaler (Blaenau Gwent)

Rhian Bowden (Llantwit Fardre)

Becky Davies (Brecon)

Eulon Davies (Llandeilo)

Amy Day (Llandaff North)

Stephanie Dew (Morriston)

Meriel Edwards (Bethesda)