Forwards Bethan Howell, Carys Phillips and Nia Davies will be joined by backs Sian Moore, Leila Johns, Rafiuke Taylor and Dyddgu Hywel in a side which sees Rachel Taylor lead the side for the second season running while Gemma Hallett and Elen Evans have been named as vice-captains.
Edwards believes the side he has selected is a blend of youth and experience and is a perfect blend as Wales attempt to finish in the top four of the Six Nations championship to guarantee selection for next year’s World Cup.
Prop Catrin Edwards, second row Gemma Hallett, flanker Catrina Nicholas and fly half Elinor Snowsill all return to the Six Nations squad after missing last year’s championship.
“The fact that we’ve got a few players coming back into the squad is great because they bring a lot of experience to the squad,” added Edwards. “it also means we have stiff competition for places which may not have been the case in the past.”
Wales begin their campaign against Ireland at Aberavon’s Port Talbot Athletic Ground on Sunday 3rd February before playing away to France (Feb 8 ), Italy (Feb 24th) and Scotland (March 10) before completing their championship against England at home.
Forwards
Jenny Davies - Waterloo/Blues
Catrin Edwards - Cardiff Quins /Scarlets
Megan York - Blaenau Gwent/Dragons
Bethan Howell - Seven Sisters/Ospreys
Lowri Harries - Neath Athletic/Scarlets
Carys Phillips - Cardiff Met/ Ospreys
Nia Davies - Cardiff Met/Blues
Gemma Hallett - Pontyclun/Blues
Vicky Owens - Pontyclun/Scarlets
Shona Powell Hughes - Neat Athletic/Ospreys
Sioned Harries - Cardiff Quins/Scarlets
Catrina Nicholas - Cardiff Quins/Blues
Rachel Taylor - Bristol/Dragons
Backs
Amy Day - Unattached/Dragons
Laura Prosse - Pontyclun/Blues
Sian Moore - Bristol/Dragons
Elinor Snowsill - Bristol/Dragons
Mared Evans - Cardiff Quins/Scarlets
Rebecca de Filippo - Cardiff Quins/Scarlets
Phillippa Tuttiett - Cardiff Quins/Blues
Elen Evans - Waterloo/Scarlets
Caryl James - Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets
Leila Johns - unattached/Dragons
Charlie Murray - Neath Athletic/Ospreys
Rafiuke Taylor – Seaview/Blues
Rosie Fletcher - Neath Athletic/Ospreys
Dyddgu Hywel – Caernarfon/Scarlets
