Hesketh to make Wales debut in Six Nations opener

Corpulent-reduction Jenny Hesketh will make her debut in Wales’ Females’s Six Countries Opener against Scotland on Saturday.

The worn England Below-20s captain used to be known as into the squad in February and qualifies by her Welsh mother.

There is moreover a Six Countries debut for wing Nel Metcalfe, while GB Sevens indispensable individual Jasmine Joyce returns.

Scrum-half Sian Jones is moreover save for a debut off the bench after impressing in the Celtic Topic.

Lock Natalia John returns to the starting line-up after missing out on Wales’ WXV1 marketing campaign in New Zealand in the autumn.

Wales’ pack has a well-identified gape to it.

Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu make up the entrance row, with John partnering Abbie Fleming in behind.

The reduction row sees Alex Callender and Alisha Butchers as flankers with Bethan Lewis packing down at number eight.

Lleucu George kinds a half-reduction partnership with the experienced Keira Bevan, while captain Hannah Jones resumes her midfield partnership with Kerin Lake.

Joyce, Metcalfe and Hesketh make up a fresh-gape backline, with usual starters Lisa Neumann no longer included in the matchday 23 and Carys Williams-Morris no longer named in the Six Countries squad.

Carys Phillips, Donna Rose and Abbey Constable present entrance row duvet on the bench, with Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Niamh Terry and Carys Cox moreover poised to make an impact.

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Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham talked about: “There used to be noteworthy debate around this desire and that demonstrates the strength in depth we for the time being are building in the squad.

“Take a look at matches against Scotland have historically been terminate and tight affairs and we’re expecting the equal on Saturday.

“Jenny Hesketh has impressed on and off they discipline since she joined up with us and fully deserves to make her Wales debut.

“Sian Jones used to be judicious one of many standout gamers in the Celtic Topic and we know the design noteworthy she is looking forward to pulling on the crimson jersey and representing her country.”

• Wales hoping to ‘inspire’ nation – Cunningham
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Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: Carys Phillips, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Niamh Terry, Carys Cox.

Scotland: TBC

Replacements: TBC

Match officials

Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)

Touch judges: Sara Cox (RFU), Holly Wooden (RFU)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)