JOHN BIRCHTuesday June 2014 Wales announce World Cup squad Wales head coach Rhys Edwards has made a couple of surprise inclusions in his squad for Womens Rugby World Cup 2014, which takes place in France from 1-17 August. Prop Cerys Hale is uncapped but was part of the Wales extended squad during the Six Nations campaign. She did not play in the Championship but her ability to cover the front row and second row has seen her included in the 26-strong squad. Centre Adi Taviner, meanwhile, was one of the youngest members of the World Cup squad in 2010, but she hasnt figured for Wales for two seasons. Taviner was the standout performer for her club during their successful Super Cup run which saw Neath claim the crown last Saturday in the final against Pontyclun with the centre scoring twice. Rafique Taylor also returns to the squad having missed out on the Six Nations, but her impressive form on the wing for Wales Sevens has ensured her inclusion. Edwards admitted he had to make some tough selection calls with Ffion Bowen, Vicky Owens and Hannah Jones the unlucky players to miss out. With 50 days to go now before we begin our campaign against France, we can now concentrate on the group and focus fully on the job at hand. Weve also got six players on a reserve list for cover in case of any injuries etc, said Edwards. Some tough calls had to be made – Hannah is still only 17 so she has plenty of time on her side to play in future World Cups while Vicky and Ffion were unfortunate to be in positions which were hotly contested. Adis inclusion is not a gamble at all as she has been on our radar for some time even though she hasnt been playing international rugby. She has been playing really well and is in a good place plus she covers centre and the back three. Ultimately we have taken the last two years into account when picking the squad – from training, off the pitch and on the pitch and it is a side I believe has plenty of potential to do well in France. Wales will begin their campaign against the hosts on August 1 at the Fédération Française de Rugby headquarters in Marcoussis, before taking on Australia and South Africa in their other Pool C matches. Wales Womens Rugby World Cup 2014 squad Forwards: Meg York (Blaenau Gwent), Caryl Thomas (Bath Ladies), Catrin Edwards (Bristol Ladies), Jenny Davies (Waterloo), Cerys Hale (Pontyclun), Lowri Harries (Neath Athletic), Carys Phillips (Bristol Ladies), Jenny Hawkins (Llandaff North), Shona Powell Hughes (Neath Athletic), Catrina Nicholas (Llandaff North), Sian Williams (Worcester), Sioned Harries (Llandaff North), Rachel Taylor (Bristol Ladies), Nia Davies (Cardiff Met). Backs: Sian Moore (Bristol Ladies), Amy Day (Llandaff North), Elinor Snowsill (Bristol Ladies), Robyn Wilkins (Llandaff North), Rebecca De Filippo (Bristol Ladies), Elen Evans (Waterloo), Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic), Elli Norkett (Neath Athletic), Rafique Taylor (Pontyclun), Dyddgu Hywel (Bristol Ladies), Laurie Harries (Llandaff North), Philippa Tuttiett (Bristol Ladies).
Posted on: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 21:48:37 +0000
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