WALES will make their Women’s World Cup debut after beating both Ireland and the Netherlands to top in Group A of the European Qualifiers back in 2024.

Determined to make a good first impression on the world stage, Wales continued their preparations in July with a hit-out against Canada, who took part in the 2017 and 2022 tournaments, and despite going down 14-0, many important lessons were learnt.

In their favour is that the bulk of the squad is often made up of Cardiff Demons players with a handful of experienced Super League players, including Wigan duo Bethan Dainton and Carys Marsh, mixed in. This should make the task of team bonding much easier and allow them to focus much quicker on matters on the field. 

However, they were recently dealt a blow with the news that seven-time international Ffion Jenkins has had to retire from the game following medical advice.

KEY PLAYERS

THE inclusion of Canterbury Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston to Tom Brindle’s squad is certainly eye-catching, and her experience and knowledge of what Wales will face down under will be hugely important for the World Cup debutants.

Past Super League and Challenge Cup winner Paige Travis, who also spent a season in the NRLW with Parramatta Eels, will also prove an invaluable member of the squad.

Travis’ St Helens team mate Dani McGifford is another established Super League player at the disposal of Tom Brindle, and with 16 tries in 15 appearances this season, she certainly poses a risk out wide.

COACH

TOM BRINDLE is in his sixth year in charge of Wales, and holds that role alongside his work for the RFL as head of development and Women’s Super League general manager. 

He will be assisted once again by current Super League half-back Faye Gaskin and Cardiff Demons coach Ian Newbury.

SQUAD

Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Demons), Hollie Brussels (Warrington Wolves), Leanne Burnell (Cardiff Demons), Katie Carr (Cardiff Demons), Georgia Cussons (Huddersfield Giants), Bethan Dainton (Wigan Warriors), Lucia Davies (Cardiff Demons), Jasmine Gibbons (Cardiff Demons), Zoe Heeley (Cardiff Demons), Gracie Hobbs (Huddersfield Giants), Emily Hughes (London Broncos), Frances Layton (Cardiff Demons), Ffion Lewis (London Broncos), Carys Marsh (Wigan Warriors), Dani McGifford (St Helens), Jade Mullen (London Broncos), Tayla Preston (Canterbury Bulldogs), Amberley Ruck (Cardiff Demons), Kathryn Salter (London Broncos), Paige Travis (St Helens), Erin Williams (Cardiff Demons), Siân Williams (North Queensland Cowboys), Agnes Wood (York Valkyrie).