Thunder have made five changes and will be looking for a first win in the newly expanded Celtic Challenge tournament against a Clovers side also looking to bounce back from their opening defeat to the Wolfhounds at Musgrave Park.
Ellie May Tromans is selected at full back, while Mollie Wilkinson replaces Wales Test star Hannah Bluck (ankle injury) at centre and Seren Singleton starts at scrum half ahead of Welsh international Meg Davies.
The pack sees two changes with Katie Mackay coming in for Charlie Munday in the second row and Shona Wakley selected at Number 8 for Sioned Harries.
Ashely Beck, the Brython Thunder Head coach, said: “This has been a short turnaround and we have had some bumps and bruises to deal with, but the second half of our opening Celtic Challenge game showed what we are capable of. We created enough chances at Rodney Parade, and we need to do the same and finish them against the Clovers in Dublin.”
Brython Thunder squad (v the Clovers)
Ellie May Tromans, Danai Mugabe, Meg Webb (VC), Mollie Wilkinson, Elenor Hing, Niamh Terry, Seren Singleton; Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Rosie Carr, Katie Carr, Natalia John, Katie Mackay, Finley Jones, Alex Callender (C), Shona Wakley.
Replacements: Amy Morgan, Madi Johns, Cadi Lois Davies, Charlie Mundy, Georgia Morgan, Meg Davies, Lowri Williams, Amy Williams.
Gwalia Lightning v Glasgow Warriors
Gwalia Lightning have named the side to face Glasgow Warriors for the Round 2 clash in the Celtic Challenge at Cardiff Arms Park, on Sunday, January 7th (KO: 1:30pm).
The Lightning have made four changes to the starting line-up that secured an impressive 20-5 win in the Welsh derby against Brython Thunder at Rodney Parade on New Year’s Day.
Caitlin Lewis comes in on the wing for Katie Thicker, while Molly Anderson-Thomas replaces Rebecca De Filippo in the centre. Catherine Richards, who scored two tries in the side’s opening victory, keeps her place on the wing.
Erin Jones is selected at second row, with Lucy Issac drafted into the backrow, alongside Wales Test star Kate Williams and Gwenna Hopkins at Number 8. Wales U20s captain, Jenna De Vera is named on the bench and is expected to make her first appearance for the Lightning in the Welsh capital.
Cat Nicholas McLaughlin, Gwalia Lightning Head coach, said: “We have selected the bulk of the squad that really put down a marker in our opening Celtic Challenge game at Rodney Parade. The players proved what they have to offer at this level and now we have to build on that performance in what will be another major challenge against Glasgow Warriors at the Arms Park.”
Tickets for the Gwalia Lightning clash with the Warriors will be on sale at the Angel Hotel entrance to Cardiff Arms Park on the day of the game. Tickets will be £10 for Adults and £5 for U18s.
Gwalia Lightning squad (v Glasgow Warriors)
Nel Metcalfe (VC), Caitlin Lewis, Kelsie Webster, Molly Anderson-Thomas, Catherine Richards, Carys Hughes, Sian Jones; Abbey Constable, Molly Reardon, Jenni Scoble, Erin Jones, Bryonie King (C), Kate Williams, Lucy Isaac, Gwennan Hopkins
Replacements: Mica Evans, Sophie Waug, Lowri Williams, Maisie Davies, Sydney Mead, Kierra Deeks, Jenna De Vera, Kate Davies.
Both Celtic Challenge games involving the Welsh teams will be streamed live on RugbyPass and the BBC Wales Website
