Wales Women's coach Tom Brindle has named a 19-player squad to travel to Carcassonne to face France this Sunday (kick-off 3pm local time).
After two years away, Lowri Norkett-Morgan returns to the Wales side following a successful stint in international rugby union, while former captain Shaunni Davies returns after last playing internationally in mid-2021 before being forced on the sidelines for a year following a knee injury.
There are eight players named who could potentially win their first cap on Sunday, including Cardiff Demons. Kim Boaler, Jasmine Gibbons, Ffion Jenkins, Hannah Jones, Ashlea Prescott and Amy Price, who are joined by Brogan Evans (Salford Red Devils) and Georgia Taylor (York Valkyrie) as those hoping to make their debut.
Talking about the number of new players in the squad, Brindle said: "We've shown great progression over the last few years and we are building with every session. We worked hard to increase the depth within our squad and we are looking to give a number of players debuts.
"These games are an important step towards the World Cup, and with a number of injuries, our squad depth give us a chance to see more player playing at the highest levels"
One of the injured players is London Broncos' Emily Hughes, which leaves Kathryn Salter and Charlie Mundy as the only potential ever-presents since the Wales Women's side was formed in 2019.
Wales (from): Kim Boaler*, Katie Carr, Shaunni Davies, Jasmine Gibbons*, Ffion Jenkins*, Hannah Jones*, Sara Jones, Eleri Michael, Charlie Mundy, Lowri Norkett-Morgan, Rhi Parker, Ashlea Prescott*, Amy Price*, Molly Reardon (all Cardiff Demons), Bethan Dainton (Leeds Rhinos, captain), Kathryn Salter (London Broncos), Brogan Evans* (Salford Red Devils), Carys Marsh (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Taylor* (York Valkyrie). *Uncapped
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