The sides selected are full of proven Welsh international talent and the rising stars and potential Welsh internationals of the future for the first of two Welsh Derbies in December.
Welsh rugby supporters can take advantage of FREE ENTRY in a unique offer for the opening Celtic Challenge fixture at the Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.
Both teams won a game each in last season’s Welsh derbies, with Gwalia Lightning emerging as 20-5 in the first historic game between the sides. Brython Thunder ended the campaign with a 30-5 victory over their Welsh rivals at Parc y Scarlets.
Gwalia Lightning will walk out in a unique tribute before kick-off with each player being partnered by an individual who has been an inspiration to them or played a key part in their rugby journey.
Wales international Gwennan Hopkins will captain Gwalia Lightning with eight Welsh internationals in the starting line-up, including Carys Williams-Morris, Bryonie King, Catherine Richards, Sian Jones, Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon and Alaw Pyrs.
Full back Courtney Greenway and second row Lily Terry make their debuts for Gwalia in the Celtic Challenge.
Wales international Natalia John will captain Brython Thunder and is joined by Gwen Crabb, who have been released by her club to play, in an all-Wales second row. Fellow Welsh internationals Niamh Terry is at fly-half with Meg Webb at centre.
Hooker Chloe Grant, flanker Robyn Davies, flanker Jessica Rogers and full back Rhiannon Griffin all make their debuts in the Celtic Challenge.
Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin, Gwalia Lightning Head coach, said: “A Welsh derby is a great opening to the campaign, and we are excited to get started with team ready to perform at our new home at Ystrad Mynach.
“We have selected a side with proven Test experience and knowledge of the Celtic Challenge but know we have to gel as a team and are expecting Brython Thunder to provide a real challenge.”
Ashley Beck, Head coach of Brython Thunder, said: “This is a new-look Brython Thunder team with half of the players in the squad new to the league and the demands of the Celtic Challenge. We are expecting this opening league game against Gwalia to be a major challenge.
“We are away from home and have four players making their debuts for Brython in the competition and we are looking forward to see how they perform in what promises to be an exciting Welsh derby.”
Gwalia Lightning:
Courtney Greenway, Carys Williams-Morris, Kelsie Webster, Molly Anderson-Thomas, Catherine Richards, Carys Hughes, Sian Jones; Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Danyelle Dinapoli, Lily Terry, Alaw Pyrs, Bryonie King, Paige Jones, Gwennan Hopkins (captain)
Replacements: Molly Wakley, Dali Hopkins, Jenni Scoble, Erin Jones, Katherine Baverstock, Katie Bevans, Lowri Davies, Caitlin Lewis
Brython Thunder
Rhiannon Griffin, Ellie Tromans, Meg Webb, Savannah Picton-Powell, Eleanor Hing, Niamh Terry, Seren Singleton; Katie Carr, Chloe Grant, Cadi-Lois Davies, Gwen Crabb, Natalia John (captain), Robyn Davies, Lucy Issac, Jessica Rogers
Replacements: Evie Gill, Lowri Williams, Meg Lewis, Kira Philpott, Danai Mugabe, Anna Stowell, Bethan Adkins, Hannah Lane
- Round 1: Gwalia Lightning v Brython Thunder, Ystrad Mynach, Saturday, December 21st (KO: 2.30pm)
- Round 2: Brython Thunder v Gwalia Lightning, Parc Y Scarlets, Saturday, December 28th (KO: 2.30pm)
