Thomas and Snowsill in Wales Women squad for Italy clash

Wales Women will be looking to bounce back from their opening weekend defeat against champions France when they face their Italian counterparts. 

Thomas retains her place in the front-row, while Snowsill will be looking to make an impact as a replacement. 

Fly-half Snowsill will earn her 50th cap for Wales if introduced at the Stadio Val del Mare.

Rowland Phillips said: "It was important to continue with this team's development. While last weekend's match against France was very difficult all-round, we have confidence in the abilities of these players to bounce back and show what they can do.

“Physicality will again be key against Italy. They too are benefitting from the momentum of an autumn series and showed how much they've progressed in their impressive win over Scotland last weekend (28-7).”

Wales Women squad in full to face Italy at the Stadio Val del Mare on Saturday, February 9th (7pm):

15.Lauren Smyth, 14. Jasmine Joyce, 13. Hannah Jones , 12.Alicia McComish, 11. Lisa Neumann, 10. Robyn Wilkins, 9. Keira Bevan; 1. Caryl Thomas, 2. Carys Phillips (C), 3. Amy Evans, 4. Natalia John, 5. Gwen Crabb, 6. Beth Lewis, 7. Manon Johnes, 8. Siwan Lillicrap

Replacements: 16. Kelsey Jones, 17. Cara Hope, 18. Cerys Hale, 19. Alisha Butchers, 20. Alex Callender, 21. Ffion Lewis, 22. Elinor Snowsill, 23. Jess Kavanagh