International Rugby comes to the Dragons

The squad hope to continue their winning form following their 31-7 victory over Italy in November. Head Coach Fielies Coetsee has rung in the changes from the Italy game, rotating the bench and giving everyone a chance to prove themselves before the Six Nations.

Becky Davies gets her first start in the number nine shirt. Front row players Hannah Roberts and Caryl Thomas, second row Gemma Hallett and fullback Philippa Tuttiett also get the opportunity to play from the first whistle.

Fielies Coetsee commented, “It is important that we have the opportunity to watch everyone play and try different combinations of players in preparation for the Six Nations. The Netherlands convincingly beat our Development squad last season so I am expecting it to be a tough encounter and a good challenge”.

Clare Daniels travels from England to officiate this fixture. Clare is one of the leading referees in world rugby and recently attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Canada where she was selected to take charge of the 5th place play off match between the USA and Scotland. Claire will be supported by up and coming Welsh referee Deborah Evans as touch judge.

Following this match, the Wales Development squad take on the Royal Navy just a mile down the road at Bedwas RFC, (kick off 1500hrs). 

Admission is free to both games and all support is welcome!

Wales:
15. Philippa Tuttiett – UWIC RFC   4 Caps
14. Mared Evans – Waterloo RFC   1 Caps
13. Rachel Poolman – UWIC RFC   8 Caps
12. Rhian Williams – Wasps RFC   56 Caps
11. Claire Flowers – Clifton RFC   43 Caps
10. Naomi Thomas – Clifton RFC   23 Caps
9. Becky Davies – Cardiff Quins RFC   2 Caps
1. Caryl Thomas – Cardiff Quins RFC   1 Caps
2. Rhian Bowden – UWIC RFC   4 Caps
3. Hannah Roberts – UWIC RFC   1 Caps
4. Liza Burgess – Clifton RFC   81 Caps
5. Gemma Hallett – Pontyclun RFC   1 Caps
6. Catrina Nicholas – Cardiff Quins RFC   17 Caps
7. Mellissa Berry (c) – Worcester RFC   54 Caps
8. Kylie Wilson – Clifton RFC   47 Caps

Replacements
16. Amy Broadstock – Llandaff North RFC   24 Caps
17. Louise Horgan – Saracens RFC   18 Caps
18. Hannah Torangi – UWIC RFC   1 Caps
19. Jamie Kift – Clifton RFC   52 Caps
20. Amy Day – UWIC RFC   7 Caps
21. Louise Rickard – Saracens RFC   88 Caps
22. Elen Evans – Dolgellau RFC   21 Caps

Netherlands:
15. Ingrid van de Ven – Wasps RFC
14. Elke van Meer – Tilburg RFC
13. Tessa Kocken – RUS RFC
12. Rita Wiri – Thor RFC
11. Lydia van Deursen – Thor RFC
10. Sascha Werlich (c) – AAC RFC
9. Kitty Vloemans – Thor RFC
1. Hilde de Jong – Leuven RFC
2. Hadewijch van Hilten – RUS RFC
3. Jolanda Kramer – The Pigs RFC
4. Mara Moberg – Eempanters RFC
5. Iris IJzerman – Tilburg RFC
6. Linda Riel – Oemoemenoe RFC
7. Linda Franssen – RUS RFC
8. Mirjam Steenbeek – RUS RFC

Replacements
16. Xandra Benthem de Grave – Thor RFC
17. Mariette Koekoek – Tilburg RFC
18. Niki Ankersmit – Waterland RFC
19. Sanne Pelt  – Thor RFC
20. Goele Callaars – Leuven RFC
21. Lucie Savelberg – Thor RFC
22. Linda Laauwen – AAC RFC

Referee: Clare Daniels (England)
Touch Judges: Sean Brickell (Wales) and Deborah Evans (Wales)

Wales Women Six Nations Fixtures
Wales v Ireland  Sat 3rd Feb – Taffs Well RFC – Kick Off 1430hrs
Scotland v Wales  Sat 10th Feb – Boroughmuir RFC, Edinburgh – Kick Off 1300hrs
France v Wales  Sat 24th Feb – Stade Guy Moquet à Drancy, Paris – Kick Off 1330hrs
Italy v Wales  Sun 11th March – Rugby Roma, Rome – Kick Off 1230hrs
Wales v England  Sat 17th March – Taffs Well RFC – Kick Off 1430hrs

For more information please contact Jilly Holroyd, Welsh Women’s Rugby Union on jholroyd@wru.co.uk or 02920 822441.