Wales have added Scotland to their autumn line-up which will come 20 months before the next Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The fixture will take place at Scotstoun on Sunday 17 November ahead of Wales’ two historic home fixtures – against the first Crawshay’s Women’s side on November 23 before playing the Barbarians for the first time in a Principality Stadium double header on Saturday 30 November. Wales kick off the autumn away to Spain on the weekend of November 2 and are set to add a further fixture to the schedule.
Phillips is pleased to add the Six Nations team to the autumn schedule.
“Scotland away is an excellent fixture for us this autumn. There has been less than a score in the results of our last three matches against Scotland. In horrendous conditions last season, we did well to come away with the last ditch victory, we narrowly won at Stadiwm Zipworld in 2018 and Scotland pipped us in 2017 so it’s set to be a hard-fought, evenly matched game. Scotland have a new coach, they will have built as a squad having just come back from a tour to South Africa and both teams will be keen to show what we are all about.”
Phillips is keen to build strength in depth this autumn ahead of a Rugby World Cup season.
“We are excited by the young talent we have seen throughout the Women’s Regional Programme and our focus will be on blooding some new, exciting players into international rugby this autumn. This is an ideal time to build some added depth to the squad at this point given that we are already qualified for the 2021 Rugby World Cup.”
Following Round 3 of the Women’s Regional Programme on Sunday (Cardiff Arms Park), Phillips will select a training squad which will be narrowed down at the end of September.
He said, “We ran a shorter regional pre-season and playing programme this season and we are again pleased with the quality and improved fitness and performances.
“The programme has been a success and we feel the best way to support the players now will be to get out into the regions and deliver an additional period of skills and conditioning sessions to a wider squad.
“Some young players have the potential to reach very high standards with the right support to make that transition so we will deliver sessions in North, East and West Wales over the next month.”
There is still a chance for players to impress the national coaches with Sunday’s regional games.
Cardiff Blues take on Ospreys at 12.30 followed by RGC v Scarlets at 3pm. If Ospreys win they will be the only undefeated side in the programme and will retain their regional title but if they lose, the Scarlets and Blues will be in with a shout of claiming the crown.
Phillips added, “In addition to developing young talent, the regional programme has also given our seasoned internationals the best possible preparation for the season ahead and provided some much needed competition for squad places. We are looking forward to another day of competitive rugby on Sunday.”
Wales Women autumn fixtures (further details to follow including all venues, kick-offs and broadcast info)
Weekend of November 2: Spain v Wales
Sunday 10 November: tbc
Sunday 17 November: Scotland v Wales (Scotstoun, 3.10pm, BBC Alba)
Saturday 23 November: Crawshay’s Women v Wales
Saturday 30 November: Wales Women v Barbarians, Principality Stadium
