Lewis aims to lighten the load on Berry by naming a co-captain

Wales Women's co-captain Mellissa Berry has been tipped to shine in a new position in August's World Cup.

Berry, usually a back-rower, will be considered as a centre for the tournament, where Wales face Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

"There is nothing wrong in Mel's captaincy but we've moved her to the centre, she's going to have plenty to think about," said coach Jason Lewis.

"We're hoping to lighten the load so we picked a second captain in Jamie Kift."

Wales will open their campaign against world sevens champions Australia at Surrey Sports Park on Friday, 20 August (1400 BST).

The game will be the second of the tournament, two hours after Canada face Scotland in the opener.

Wales play two other tough pool matches at the same venue in Guildford.

South Africa are next up on Tuesday, 24 August (1200 BST), before Wales face holders and favourites New Zealand on Saturday, 28 August (1400 BST).

The tournament then enters the knock-out phase with the fourth round of matches on Wednesday, 1 September, before finals day on Sunday, 5 September.

The minor knock-out matches will be played at Surrey Sports Park, while 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