Wales Women target ‘home’ games in Six Nations

Rhys Edwards: Wales Women’s Head Coach targeting the home games

WALES WOMEN’s head coach Rhys Edwards is targeting a clean sweep of victories at the Gnoll when his side host three games in the rapidly approaching Six Nations championship in February and March.

Edwards is keen that his side build on the success of last year’s home games at St Helen’s where Wales stunned England in the opening game of the campaign.

“Over the last few seasons the girls have been fortunate enough to play in front of big crowds at Aberavon and Swansea,” said Edwards.

“The support we had in Swansea last season was tremendous and hopefully it will be the same at Neath where the Gnoll is part of Welsh rugby folklore. Hopefully the girls can create their own slice of history at one of the most iconic grounds in Welsh rugby.”

Wales will also play a friendly against defending Six Nations champions, Ireland at Ystrad Mynach on Sunday, 24th January where tickets will be available on the gate for just £5.

It will provide Edwards with one final chance to run the rule over his squad before announcing his team to tackle the Irish in the opening game of the Six Nations at Donnybrook on Saturday, 6th February.

Wales’ following two rounds will be at the Gnoll against Scotland and France before they take on England at Twickenham Stoop in round four on Friday, 11th March before the campaign concludes nine days later at home against Italy, who have held the upper hand over Wales in recent times.

Wales captain Rachel Taylor is already looking forward to the new campaign.

“These really are exciting times for the team – with some senior players stepping down from international rugby there is a great chance for new talent to prosper this season,” she said.

“We’ve placed certain expectations on ourselves and there is no doubt the home games will be key in our quest to qualify for the next World Cup. With age grade teams doing well in the Ospreys region this season, hopefully we can draw a big crowd on match days to further develop the momentum currently being witnessed in the women’s game in Wales.”