Thomas and Snowsill named in Wales Women squad for Six Nations opener

Head coach Rowland Phillips has named a strong side that will travel to Montpellier as Wales open their Six Nations campaign against defending champions France. 

Caryl Thomas will start at loose-head, while Elinor Snowsill will look to make an impact on the game if introduced as a replacement.

Phillips said: "We made such huge progress during the autumn - especially against Canada in our final game - that it was important to continue to build on the momentum we created.

"Physicality will be key against France on Saturday," added Phillips. "That is their strength and they will come out flying. That is an area we have been working on.

"Playing France away from home is the only place you'll experience such a cauldron in terms of the huge crowd and welcome and that's something the players must embrace and feed off."

Wales Women team in full to face France on Saturday, February 2nd (8pm):

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. Siwan Lillicrap, 5. Mel Clay, 6. Alisha Butchers, 7.Manon Johnes, 8.Bethan Lewis

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