Rebuilding year for 6 Nations squads
Wales have confirmed that a number of its leading players will not be available for this year’s women’s rugby 6 Nations.
Published by Scrum Queens, January 7th, 2011
2 minute read
Last years co-captains Mel Berry and Jamie Kift(pictured)are two of the most senior players in Wales who wont be in the mix as retirements and breaks threaten to hit a range of teams hard this season.
Mel Berry is retiring completely while Kift is taking some time out.
Also taking a break is the 56-times capped flyhalf Naomi Thomas as well as flanker Catrina Nicholas and second row Gemma Hallett.
Those players join the vastly experienced Non Evans who also decided to hang up her boots meaning that the new head coach, set to be announced imminently, faces a tough task in this years 6 Nations.
Wales are not the only 6 Nations team though facing the season having lost many experienced players. Scotland are affected with the retirement of veterans Donna Kennedy and Lynne Reid (last years captain) among others like star centre Lucy Millard, while Ireland will be without many players including Jo OSullivan, Orla Brennan and Helen Brosnan who have all opted out of the game for now.
France too are hard hit with well known names such as Sandrine Agricole, Fanny Horta and Marie-Charlotte Hebel not in the mix this year.
England have been blessed with no major retirements with only Sarah Beale and Amber Pentrith taking time out from the game meaning that the World Cup runners-up are overwhelming favourites for the title once again.
Wales Naomi Thomas said: "I didn't want to be considered for selection this year as I'm looking to take a break from things as I've been doing it for over 10 years."