Women's Six Nations 2024: Former England U20 full-back Jenny Hesketh named in Wales training squad

Former England U20 captain Jenny Hesketh has been included in Wales' 47-man training camp for the Six Nations.

The Bristol Bears full-back qualifies to play for Ewan Cunningham's side through her Welsh mother.

Hesketh joins the extended training squad this week as Wales prepare to host Scotland in their opening match of the tournament on March 23.

“We are looking forward to getting back together,” said Head Coach Cunningham.

“We have appointed a senior team to assess where we have come and reward players who have excelled for their clubs and, in particular, players who have played in the Celtic Challenge.

“It's an opportunity for coaches and staff to take a closer look at each player and see how they perform in a professional environment.

“For players with real international ambitions, it is an opportunity to see the standards we expect, on and off the field, and to match the demands of Test rugby.”

Brython Thunder number eight Shona Wakley and Gwalia Lightning center Rebecca De Filippo have been included after impressing in the Celtic challenge.

Australian-born, Welsh-qualified Tess Evans has the chance to boost her hopes of a maximum test.

Cunningham added: “The culture we have as a team is important and we want all the players selected to understand and believe in us and where we are headed as a national team.”

“We are starting to build some real strength and competition for places with more players getting regular playing time under their belts.

“Celtic Challenge is making progress with players now playing a higher level of rugby.

“The training camp will be tough and we will make no excuses for that because wearing a Wales shirt is a privilege and we should deserve it.”

Wales finished third in last year's Six Nations to qualify for the inaugural WXV1 tournament.

They welcome Scotland to Cardiff Arms Park on March 23 before facing England at Ashton Gate a week later.

Cunningham's side next travel to Musgrave Park to face Ireland on April 13 before hosting France and Italy in Cardiff on April 21 and April 27 respectively.

Their backs: Neil Metcalfe, Lisa Newman, Hannah Jones, Hannah Block, Carys Cox, Lyoko George, Keira Bevan, Courtney Kate, Carys Williams-Morris, Meg Webb, Keren Lake, Robyn Wilkins, Meg Davies, Amelia Tott, Niamh Terry, Fionn Lewis, Jenny Hesketh, Kelsey Webster, Rebecca De Filippo, Kath Richards, Sian Jones, Ellie Trumans.

Attackers: Gwenllian Pearce, Caris Phillips, Cecilia Topoluto, Abby Fleming, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis, Abby Constable, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Gwen Crabb, Alisha Butchers, Cerys Hill, Bryony King, Chloe Thomas – Bradley, Molly Reardon, Jenny Scoble, Alao Pearce, Maisie Davies, Tess Evans, Gwenann Hopkins, Shona Wakeley, Cady Lewis-Davies.