POOLMAN AND HAWKE MAKE DEBUTS IN THE ITALIAN JOB

Both players made a huge impact in last season’s U19 side and were rewarded with call-ups to the senior squad this season.  Fellow U19 cap, Caryl Thomas, will be looking to make her debut from the bench. 

Poolman will be taking the left wing berth in a backline that includes experienced internationals, Clare Flowers, Louise Rickard and Non Evans, and the pacey Elen Evans on the opposite wing. Hawke will pack down alongside Rachel Brown in the second row. 

Mellissa Berry returns to the squad after a year in New Zealand, taking the Captain’s arm band in the Number 8 position. 

The Italians will come into the fixture as reigning European Nations Cup champions, following this summer’s competition that saw them face Sweden, The Netherlands and Germany.

Head Coach, Fielies Coetsee, said “We have selected a very promising side that has a superb balance of youth and experience.  This fixture against Italy will be an excellent test for the squad before the Six Nations.” 

Wales Senior Squad (from 1 to 22)
Amy Broadstock (Llandaff North);  Jenny Davies (Caernarfon);  Louise Horgan (Saracens);  Rachel Brown (Waterloo);  Beth Hawke (Tycroes);  Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins);  Kylie Wilson (Waterloo);  Mellissa Berry (Worcester);  Amy Day (UWIC);  Naomi Thomas (Tylorstown/Clifton);  Rachel Poolman (UWIC);  Clare Flowers (Tylorstown/Clifton);  Louise Rickard (Saracens);  Elen Evans (Dolgellau);  Non Evans (Tylorstown/Clifton)

Caryl Thomas (Bath University);  Eirlys Lougher (UWIC);  Claire Donovan (Saracens);  Dawn Mason (Richmond);  Becky Davies (Cardiff Quins);  Awen Thomas (Cardiff Quins);  Rhian Williams (Wasps)