Wales follow Ireland, but not Scotland, in including a leavening of established test players.
They have chosen by far the most significant of names for their two teams, delving deep into Welsh history. Brython pays homage to an ancient form of the Welsh language; Gwalia is an equally time-honoiured name for the nation.
Their aim must be to outplay the two Irish sides which contain a similar blend of the tried and the untried.
Brython Thunder:
Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Alex Callender, Katie Carr, Rosie Carr, Cadi-Lois Davies, Rhian Thomas, Sioned Harries, Natalia John, Madi Johns, Finley Jones, Katie Mackay, Charlie Mundy, Carys Schofield, Shona Wakley, Georgia Morgan, Milly Summer, Meg Davies, Hannah Bluck, Katie Bevans, Sian Davies, Mollie Wilkinson, Danai Mugabe, Meg Webb, Eleanor Hing, Seren Singleton, Niamh Terry, Rachel Thomas, Ellie May Troman, Amy Williams, Lowri Williams
Head Coach: Ashley Beck
Gwalia Lightning:
Mica Evans, Molly Reardon, Danyelle Dinapoli, Jenni Scoble, Tyler Lewis, Paige Jones, Tilly Vucaj, Catrin Jones, Maisie Davies, Katie Jenkins, Lucy Isaac, Gwennan Hopkins, Sydney Mead, Sian Jones, Kierra Deeks, Niamh Tinman, Carys Hughes, Katie Thicker, Rhodd Parry, Rebecca DeFillipo, Molly Anderson-Thomas, Catherine Richards, Jenna DeVera, Caitlin Lewis, Kate Davies, Nel Metcalfe, Mali Jones, Sophie Waughn, Lowri Williams, Tess Evans
Head Coach: Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin.
Their opening fixture: New Year’s Day (KO: 14.00) at Rodney Parade, Newport
That looks like a puritan New Year’s Eve celebration.
