Inspired by the 2nd place finish in the European Championships in Amsterdam from the senior side, which included a narrow 12-6 loss to Six Nations Grand Slammers England, centre Heledd Stephens is more than happy to take her experiences back to age group rugby and play through the off season if it gives her the chance of a major scalp.
“England are very much the team to beat in Women’s rugby and playing in the senior side which ran them so close in Holland recently will be a real inspiration,” said Stephens.
“We have lost twice to them so far this season in the U20s, but we have some new faces in the squad, some good youngsters coming through and we have a chance to test ourselves again.
“Canada will also supply two teams for the tournament and they will be a tough prospect as well. We haven’t had much time to rest on our laurels since the season finished but we wouldn’t have it any other way and are all very much looking forward to getting out there now to play.
“The long term aim for us all has got to be the 2010 World Cup, it is certainly a personal aim of mine to be there and we all know we have to perform at this level first to give ourselves the chance of stepping up.
“If we can emulate and even improve on what the senior side did against England this season then we will be on the right track.”
For further information on the tournament please visit: www.rugbycanada.ca/u20cup
Wales Women U20 Squad – Canada 2008
1. Rebecca Newton, Cardiff Quins
2. Lowri Harries, Neath Athletic
3. Angharad Kent, McCormack UWIC
4. Issy Jones Nant, Conway
5. Amy Lawrence, Neath Athletic
6. Sian Williams, Neath Athletic
7. Lorna Crompton, Newport High School Old Boys
8. Carys John, UWIC
9. Victoria Owens, Whitland
10. Carys Thomas, Llandaff North
11. Amy Thompson, Cardiff Quins
12. Lisa Newton, UWIC
13. Megan Snape, Aberystwyth
14. Natalie Williams, Neath Athletic
15. Hannah Lerwill, Llandaff North
16. Paris Nicholas Caerphilly RFC
17. Yasmin Leung, Caernarfon
18. Elinor Snowshill, Cardiff Quins
19. Katie Bevan, Pontyclun
20. Bethan Preece, Neath Athletic
21. Levi Hallett, Pontyclun
22. Heledd Stephens, UWIC
23. Sophie Francis, Pontyclun
24. Rachel Green, Cardiff Quins
25. Rhianydd Morgan, Neath Athletic
26. Mared Evans, UWIC
