Wales stars boost Lightning and Thunder squads

Carys Williams-Morris has represented both England and Wales at international level

A host of Wales stars have been included in the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) two Celtic Challenge squads for the upcoming tournament.

Most of the 15 internationals are named in Gwalia Lightning's squad, including 50-cap Wales centre Kerin Lake who along with wing Carys Williams-Morris is new to the tournament this year.

Caitlin Lewis features, along with rising stars Molly Reardon, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones and Bryonie King.

Head coach Catrina Nicholas-Mclaughlin has also named newly capped players Catherine Richards, Alaw Pyrs, Jenni Scoble and Maisie Davies.

Ashley Beck's Brython Thunder boasts experienced second row Natalia John, with Niamh Terry, Hannah Bluck and Meg Webb adding some experience to the backs.

Both sides also feature players who were selected from open trials at the WRU's National Centre of Excellence last month.

The Celtic Challenge is a cross-border competition featuring six teams, with Wolfhounds and Clovers representing Ireland, and Edinburgh and Glasgow the two Scottish teams.

The format has been expanded in its third year with sides playing each other both home and away.

Lightning and Thunder kick off their campaigns with back-to-back Welsh derbies, the first at Ystrad Mynach on 21 December (14:30 GMT) and then at Parc y Scarlets on 28 December (14:30 GMT).

"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," said Nicholas-McLaughlin.

"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.

"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 said: "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.

"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."

Gwalia Lightning squad: 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.

Brython Thunder squad: 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.