Lillicrap honoured to be named Wales skipper

“It’s a huge honour as always to put on the Wales jersey and to lead the team is incredibly special to me, especially at this time. The girls have put in so much work on and off the field over the past year without any international fixtures and to have some Six Nations matches to look forward to and aim for now means so much to us all," said Lillicrap.

“We are grateful to have this opportunity and the privilege of representing and leading your country never diminishes. It’s something you can never assume or take for granted. We’ve all been challenged in new ways in recent months and I know I’ve worked hard to prove myself to Warren as a player and captain which makes it even more meaningful."

Warren Abrahams, who was appointed as head coach in November said: “I’m delighted to name Siwan as captain. It’s been amazing to see her leadership both on and off the field in recent months, together with some other good leaders around her, through what has been a tough time for everyone.

"Siwan is a fantastic role model, not only for our current group of players but also in terms of the legacy this group of players will leave for the next generation of Wales Women internationals and the community game.

“Siwan has had her fair share of injury setbacks recently but always supported the group whole-heartedly. It took her a number years to break into the side – that hunger to represent her country is as evident now as ever.”

Wales will travel to France on the weekend of April 3rd, host Ireland the following weekend and contest a third, ‘play-off’ match on the weekend of April 24th in a format similar to the Autumn Nations Cup.