Kerin Lake could become the seventh graduate from the Under-20s squad

Wales Women's coach Jason Lewis says the youngsters bursting into his squad can help them through their formidable World Cup challenge in August.

Lewis has named six players from the Under-20s in his squad, with another, Kerin Lake, on the list of possibles.

Hooker Lowri Harries, prop Alex Stokes, lock Shona Powell-Hughes, back-rower Sioned Harries and centre Adi Taviner have forced their way in.

"The girls we've selected add value to the squad," said Lewis.

"Hopefully they can go on to be the future of the squad.

"We've watched a number of girls in the two recent U20 internationals against England.

"They've also played in the recent regional selections and stood out, confirming in my mind they can play at senior level and make a difference."

The tournament will be held in London from 20 August to 5 September.

Wales have been drawn against holders and favourites New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, the early games and minor knock-out matches being played at Surrey Sports Park.

The semi-finals, third-place play-off and final will be staged at the Twickenham Stoop.

Wales Women's World Cup squad:

Forwards: Jenny Davies (Waterloo/ Blues), Lowri Harries (UWIC/ Blues), Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets), Alex Stokes (Neath Athletic/ Ospreys), Rhian Bowden (UWIC/ Dragons), Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun/ Blues), Shona Powell-Hughes (Neath Athletic/ Ospreys), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins/ Ospreys), Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins/ Blues), Jamie Kift (capt) (Bristol Ladies/ Dragons), Sioned Harries (UWIC/ Scarlets), Lisa Newton (UWIC/ Ospreys).

Backs: Amy Day (Bristol Ladies/ Dragons), Laura Prosser (Cardiff Quins/ Blues), Awen Thomas (Unattached/ Scarlets), Naomi Thomas (Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets), Mared Evans (UWIC/ Dragons), Clare Flowers (Bristol Ladies/N/A), Ceri Redman (UWIC/ N/A), Mellissa Berry (Blaydon/ N/A), Caryl James (Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets), Non Evans (Cardiff Quins/ Scarlets).

Possibles (three to be selected) from: Hannah Roberts (prop) (UWIC/Dragons), Louise Rickard (second-row) (Woodbridge/ N/A), Caryl Thomas (prop) (Bath Ladies/ Dragons), Kerin Lake (full-back) (Neath Athletic/ Ospreys), Elen Evans (centre) (Dolgellau/ Scarlets), Elinor Snowsill (back) (Loughbourgh/ N/A).

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version