Wilkins made her international debut as an 18 year old against Italy in 2014 and has since been an ever-present member of the squad. She has played in 33 Women’s Six Nations games, scoring two tries and 77 points.
Wilkins, a science teacher at Bassaleg School said, “I looked at Megan Davies winning her first cap at 19 last weekend and it literally seems like yesterday that I was in a similar position. With the pandemic causing postponements and cancellations in the past 12 months, this milestone means more having waited for it. I worked hard during lockdown and feel I’m in the best shape of my life. Warren has asked me to play full-back at the moment and to be honest, whether I’m at 10, 12 or 15 I’m happy to do whatever is best for the team. I’m quite enjoying the new challenge.”
Head coach Warren Abrahams has made four changes to his side following the opening round defeat against France on Saturday (53-0).
Cara Hope and Cerys Hale come into the front row and Natalia John starts at lock. There is one change behind the scrum with Courtney Keight starting on the left wing in place of Jasmine Joyce who is away with GB Sevens.
Abrahams said, “We are all proud and privileged to represent the Wales jersey. Last weekend’s loss hurts us all, but that pain is important if we want to improve and be competitive against the best sides in the world. It was a great benchmark and it is up to every member of the Wales Women programme now to take responsibility. Those who take it will stay on the bus and we will keep driving towards that vision.
“We’re going to focus on what we can control, keep believing in process and the people around us. We believe we have the best team to represent the squad this weekend. It’s a chance for some players to start the game and we have youngsters Niamh and Caitlin on the bench too. We are enthused by the performance of the new caps last weekend.”
Wales team v Ireland (Cardiff Arms Park, Saturday 10 April 5pm BBC Two Wales):
Wales Women v Ireland:
15 Robyn Wilkins (Gloucester-Hartpury)
14 Lisa Neumann (Sale Sharks)
13 Hannah Jones (vice-capt, Gloucester-Hartpury)
12 Kerin Lake (Gloucester-Hartpury)
11 Courtney Keight (Bristol Bears)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Bears)
9 Jess Roberts (Sale Sharks);
1 Cara Hope (Gloucester-Hartpury)
2 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)
3 Cerys Hale (Gloucester-Hartpury)
4 Natalia John (Bristol Bears)
5 Gwen Crabb (Gloucester-Hartpury)
6 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
7 Manon Johnes (Bristol Bears)
8 Siwan Lillicrap (capt, Bristol Bears)
Replacements:
16 Molly Kelly (Sale Sharks)
17 Caryl Thomas (Worcester Warriors)
18 Donna Rose (Saracens)
19 Teleri Wyn Davies (Sale Sharks)
20 Bethan Dainton (Harlequins)
21 Megan Davies (Exeter Chiefs)
22 Niamh Terry (Exeter Chiefs)
23 Caitlin Lewis (Cardiff Met)
