A former Amman Valley pupil, Hannah Jones, will captain Wales Women in their opening 2024 Six Nations game against Scotland this weekend.

Both Jones and the team’s coach, Ioan Cunningham, are former Amman Valley Comprehensive School pupils.

Pontarddulais' own, Keira Bevan will also be starting the game on March 23 at Cardiff Arms Park.

Alisha Butchers, who previously played for Penybanc RFC, is also among the starters.

Joining the action on the bench will be Carys Phillips, an ex-pupil of Llandovery College, and daughter of Rowland Phillips.

Meanwhile, Niamh Terry, who once represented Hendy U18s, has been named on the bench.

The much-anticipated match is set for kick-off at Cardiff Arms Park at 4.45pm.

In other team news, flanker Alex Callender takes on the role of vice-captain.

Jenny Hesketh, who is set to make her Wales debut as a full-back, with scrum half Sian Jones ready to make her debut from the bench.

Another noteworthy return is that of lock Natalia John, who missed out on Wales’ WXV1 campaign in New Zealand in the autumn of 2023.

Cunningham, said: "There was much debate around this selection and that demonstrates the strength in depth we are now building in the squad.

"The players have been working really hard and pushing each other since we have been in camp, and we are looking forward to the challenge of Scotland in Cardiff."

He added, "Jenny Hesketh has impressed on and off the 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."

Cunningham also expressed his excitement at Natalia John's return, noting her "resilience has been an inspiration to all of the squad, coaches and staff."

He ended with an appeal, stressing that "the support of the Welsh public proved key when we are at the Arms Park during last season’s campaign and all the players are excited to be back in the Welsh capital."

Wales Womens' team to face Scotland: 15 Jenny Hesketh, 14 Jasmine Joyce, 13 Hannah Jones (captain), 12 Kerin Lake, 11 Nel Metcalfe, 10 Lleucu George, 9 Keira Bevan; 1 Gwenllian Pyrs, 2 Kelsey Jones, 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4 Natalia John, 5 Abbie Fleming, 6 Alisha Butchers, 7 Alex Callender (vice-captain), 8 Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: 16 Carys Phillips, 17 Abbey Constable, 18 Donna Rose, 19 Georgia Evans, 20 Kate Williams, 21 Sian Jones, 22 Niamh Terry, 23 Carys Cox.