Marsh named for Wales

Wigan’s Carys Marsh has been named in Tom Brindle’s 19-player Wales squad to travel to Carcassonne to face France this Sunday (K.O. 3pm local time).

After two years away, Lowri Norkett-Morgan returns to the Wales side following a successful stint in international rugby union, whilst 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.

Eight players have been named who could potentially make their debut on Sunday. Those are Kim Boaler, Jasmine Gibbons, Ffion Jenkins, Hannah Jones, Ashlea Prescott, Amy Price, Brogan Evans and Georgia Taylor.

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 19-player squad:

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).

* Denotes uncapped players.