Snowsill and Thomas named to start against the Red Roses

Tuesday, February 19th 2019

Bristol Bears Women duo Elinor Snowsill and Caryl Thomas have been named to start against England Women for their Six Nations clash at the Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday afternoon.

Thomas has been a mainstay in the loose-head position for Rowland Phillips and the powerful front-rower will look to continue her good form when the Red Roses come to town.

Snowsill won her 50th cap for Wales in the previous round against Italy and Phillips has called upon her experience and skill in the backline by naming the natural playmaker at full-back for round three of the Six Nations.

Rowland Phillips said: “We are developing a nice pool of players to select from in the back three and Elinor and Jess will no doubt put their own stamp on the game on Sunday and Hannah Bluck's physicality will give us some extra options in the centre.

"England are such a powerful team and that gives them attacking opportunities. It will be up to us to meet that physical challenge but it's tests like these that can make players and teams.

"We showed the strength of our team spirit and commitment in the final ten minutes against Italy and we will need to bring the same approach and work ethic to Sunday's match.”

Wales Women squad in full that will face England Women at the Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, February 24th (12:30pm):

15. Elinor Snowisll, 14. Jasmine Joyce, 13. Hannah Jones, 12. Hannah Bluck, 11. Jess Kavanagh, 10. Robyn Wilkins, 9. Keira Bevan; 1. Caryl Thomas, 2. Carys Phillips (C), 3. Amy Evans, 4. Gwen Crabb, 5. Mel Clay, 6. Bethan Lewis, 7. Alex Callendar, 8. Siwan Lillicrap

Replacements: 16. Kelsey Jones, 17. Cara Hope, 18. Cerya Hale, 19. Natalia John, 20. Alisha Butchers, 21. Ffion Lewis, 22. Lisa Neumann, 23. Lauren Smyth