Wales Internationals Included in Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder Celtic Challenge Squads

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced the inclusion of numerous Wales international players in its two Celtic Challenge squads for the forthcoming tournament. Among the 15 internationals, the majority are designated for Gwalia Lightning’s squad. This includes 50-cap Wales centre Kerin Lake and wing Carys Williams-Morris, both of whom are making their debut in this tournament. Williams-Morris has previously played internationally for both England and Wales. Caitlin Lewis is also featured, alongside emerging talents Molly Reardon, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones, and Bryonie King. Additionally, head coach Catrina Nicholas-Mclaughlin has selected recently capped players Catherine Richards, Alaw Pyrs, Jenni Scoble, and Maisie Davies. For Brython Thunder, coached by Ashley Beck, the roster highlights experienced second row Natalia John. Niamh Terry, Hannah Bluck, and Meg Webb are also included, contributing their experience to the backline. Furthermore, both teams comprise players chosen during open trials held at the WRU’s National Centre of Excellence last month. The Celtic Challenge is a cross-border event involving six teams: Ireland is represented by Wolfhounds and Clovers, while Scotland fields Edinburgh and Glasgow. In its third year, the competition’s format has been expanded to include home and away fixtures for all participating sides. Lightning and Thunder are set to commence their campaigns with consecutive Welsh derbies. The initial match will take place at Ystrad Mynach on 21 December at 14:30 GMT, followed by the second at Parc y Scarlets on 28 December, also at 14:30 GMT. Nicholas-McLaughlin stated, “We have selected a squad with a good mix of international experience and new talent that has earned the right to compete at this level.” She added, “The experience of Kerin Lake and Carys Williams-Morris will provide some real know-how and we are expecting them to lead on and off the field.” Nicholas-McLaughlin further commented, “The likes of Molly Reardon and Gwennan Hopkins really stood out last season and earned international recognition with Wales in the Six Nations and will bring all of that experience to the tournament.” Beck remarked, “We have a core of players who know all about the tournament and we have selected some new and exciting talent and are looking forward to seeing them compete at this level.” He continued, “Having the experience of Natalia John will be important for us with half of our squad new to the demands of the Celtic Challenge. We developed a real identity and style of play last season and we need to do that again.” The Gwalia Lightning squad consists of: Alaw Pyrs, Bryonie King, Caitlin Lewis, Cana Williams, Carys Hughes, Carys Williams-Morris, Catherine Richards, Catrin Stewart, Courtney Greenway, Dali Hopkins, Danyelle Dinapoli, Erin Jones, Gwennan Hopkins, Jenna De Vera, Jenni Scoble, Katherine Baverstock, Katie Bevans, Kelsie Webster, Kerin Lake, Lily Terry, Lowri Davies, Maisie Davies, Mollie Mae Crabb, Molly Anderson-Thomas, Molly Reardon, Molly Wakely, Paige Jones, Rhodd Parry, Sian Jones, Sydney Mead. The Brython Thunder squad includes: Amy Williams, Anna Stowell, Cadi-Lois Davies, Chloe Gant, Chloe Thomas Bradley, Danai Mugabe, Elan Jones, Eleanor Hing, Ellie Tromans, Evie Gill, Ffion Davies, Gabby Healan, Hanna Marshall, Hannah Bluck, Hannah Lane, Jess Rogers, Katie Carr, Kira Philpott, Lowri Williams, Lucy Isaac, Meg Lewis, Meg Webb, Natalia John, Niamh Terry, Poppy Hughes, Rhiannon Griffin, Robyn Davies, Savannah Picton-Powell, Seren Singleton.