Celtic Challenge: Test stars boost Wales’ two squads

Former Worcester Warriors Women’s attack coach Ashley Beck takes charge of Thunder and is reunited with the likes of Callender, John and Bluck who were left clubless when the team folded in October.

The competition will no doubt prove valuable game time ahead of the 2024 Women’s Six Nations, with John returning to fitness after a calf injury ruled her out of WXV.

Beck’s 30-strong squad also includes centre Ellie May Troman and fly-half Seren Singleton.

“We have an exciting blend of proven Test match players and players of real potential at this level in the squad,” said Beck.

“The challenge for us is to come together as a squad and realise what a great opportunity we have to set a new standard as we build into the Celtic Challenge.

“We know there is an expectation because we have some international players in the squad, and we need all the experience and leadership they have because we are a new team.

“We know we need to establish our own identity to meet the challenges of Gwalia Lightning in our Welsh derby and the teams in Ireland and Scotland.”

Lightning are coached by Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin who has also named centre Catherine Richards and number eight Gwennan Hopkins in her 30-player selection.

“We have selected a young and exciting squad, full of real talent who have being waiting for an opportunity like this to test themselves against international players from Wales, Ireland and Scotland in the Celtic Challenge,” said Nicholas-McLaughlin who was capped 60 times for Wales.

“There are no illusions of the challenges ahead of us and it will be a test but it’s one we are all excited by and the prospect of that Welsh derby at Rodney Parade is exciting and will give us a real mark of where we are as a squad.”

Brython Thunder squad:

Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Alex Callender, Katie Carr, Rosie Carr, Cadi-Lois Davies, Rhian Thomas, Sioned Harries, Natalia John, Madi Johns, Finley Jones, Katie Mackay, Charlie Mundy, Carys Schofield, Shona Wakley, Georgia Morgan, Milly Summer, Meg Davies, Hannah Bluck, Katie Bevans, Sian Davies, Mollie Wilkinson, Danai Mugabe, Meg Webb, Eleanor Hing, Seren Singleton, Niamh Terry, Rachel Thomas, Ellie May Troman, Amy Williams, Lowri Williams

Gwalia Lightning squad:

Mica Evans, Molly Reardon, Danyelle Dinapoli, Jenni Scoble, Tyler Lewis, Paige Jones, Tilly Vucaj, Catrin Jones, Maisie Davies, Katie Jenkins, Lucy Isaac, Gwennan Hopkins, Sydney Mead, Sian Jones, Kierra Deeks, Niamh Tinman, Carys Hughes, Katie Thicker, Rhodd Parry, Rebecca DeFillipo, Molly Anderson-Thomas, Catherine Richards, Jenna DeVera, Caitlin Lewis, Kate Davies, Nel Metcalfe, Mali Jones, Sophie Waughn, Lowri Williams, Tess Evans.