Llanelli-based Brython Thunder have named their team for their opening fixture of the Celtic Challenge when they take on Gwalia Lightning at Ystrad Mynach on Saturday (2.30pm).
Wales international Natalia John will captain the Thunder and is joined by Gwen Crabb in an all-Wales second row. Fellow Welsh internationals Niamh Terry is at fly-half with Meg Webb at centre.
Hooker Chloe Grant, flanker Robyn Davies, flanker Jessica Rogers and former Scarlets U18s full-back Rhiannon Griffin all make their debuts in the competition.
Ashley Beck, head coach of Brython Thunder, said: “This is a new-look Brython Thunder team with half of the players in the squad new to the league and the demands of the Celtic Challenge. We are expecting this opening league game against Gwalia to be a major challenge.
“We are away from home and have four players making their debuts for Brython in the competition and we are looking forward to seeing how they perform in what promises to be an exciting Welsh derby.”
Welsh rugby supporters can take advantage of free entry in a unique offer for the opening Celtic Challenge fixture at the Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.
The sides meet again at Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Thunder for the Celtic Challenge. on Saturday, December 28 (2.30pm).
Brython Thunder: 15 Rhiannon Griffin; 14 Ellie Tromans, 13 Meg Webb, 12 Savannah Picton-Powell, 11 Eleanor Hing; 10 Niamh Terry, 9 Seren Singleton; 1 Katie Carr, 2 Chloe Grant, 3 Cadi-Lois Davies, 4 Gwen Crabb, 5 Natalia John (captain), 6 Robyn Davies, 7 Lucy Issac, 8 Jessica Rogers
Reps: 16 Evie Gill, 17 Lowri Williams, 18 Meg Lewis, 19 Kira Philpott, 20 Danai Mugabe, 21 Anna Stowell, 22 Bethan Adkins, 23 Hannah Lane