Hesketh to make Wales debut in Six Nations opener

Jenny Hesketh has represented England in rugby and footballGuinness Six Nations: Wales v ScotlandVenue: Cardiff Arms Park Date: Saturday, 23 March Kick-off: 16:45 GMTCoverage: Watch live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and online from 16:30 GMT; listen on BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru; text commentary, highlights and report on BBC Sport website and app.Full-back Jenny Hesketh will make her debut in Wales’ Women’s Six Nations Opener against Scotland on Saturday.

The former England Under-20s captain was called into the squad in February and qualifies through her Welsh mother.

There is also a Six Nations debut for wing Nel Metcalfe, while GB Sevens star Jasmine Joyce returns.

Scrum-half Sian Jones is also set for a debut off the bench after impressing in the Celtic Challenge.

Lock Natalia John returns to the starting line-up after missing out on Wales’ WXV1 campaign in New Zealand in the autumn.

Wales’ pack has a familiar look to it.

Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu make up the front row, with John partnering Abbie Fleming in behind.

The back row sees Alex Callender and Alisha Butchers as flankers with Bethan Lewis packing down at number eight.

Lleucu George forms a half-back partnership with the experienced Keira Bevan, while captain Hannah Jones resumes her midfield partnership with Kerin Lake.

Joyce, Metcalfe and Hesketh make up a new-look backline, with usual starters Lisa Neumann not included in the matchday 23 and Carys Williams-Morris not named in the Six Nations squad.

Carys Phillips, Donna Rose and Abbey Constable provide front row cover on the bench, with Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Niamh Terry and Carys Cox also poised to make an impact.

Women’s Six Nations – how to follow on the BBCEx-England captain explains why she chose Wales

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham said: “There was much debate around this selection and that demonstrates the strength in depth we are now building in the squad.

“Test matches against Scotland have traditionally been close and tight affairs and we are expecting the same on Saturday.

“Jenny Hesketh has impressed on and off they field since she joined up with us and fully deserves to make her Wales debut.

“Sian Jones was one of the standout players in the Celtic Challenge and we know how much she is looking forward to pulling on the red jersey and representing her country.”

Wales hoping to ‘inspire’ nation – CunninghamInside the Wales Six Nations camp with Scrum VWales: Jenny Hesketh; Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: Carys Phillips, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Niamh Terry, Carys Cox.

Scotland: TBC

Replacements: TBC

Match officials

Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)

Touch judges: Sara Cox (RFU), Holly Wood (RFU)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

BBC Scrum V goes behind the scenes at the Women’s Six Nations launch