Former Wales centre Elen Evans believes the depth of the current Wales women’s squad is stronger than ever as they bid to overcome injury problems ahead of the Six Nations.
With No.8 Sioned Harries and prop Brea Leung both ruled out of the tournament, coach Rowland Phillips will be forced to test his resources when Wales start their campaign in France at the Altrad Stadium in Montpellier, on Saturday 2 February, kick off 8.00pm.
Evans, who won 73 caps for Wales, will be part of S4C’s Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol commentary team who will broadcast three of Wales women’s matches during this year’s competition.
She said: “England have regained their professional status and France beat New Zealand during the autumn, so I think these two sides will be battling for the Championship this year.
“But Wales had a good autumn, too. We have a number of young players coming through and they are combining well with the more experienced players.
“Elinor Snowsill is likely to be back and that would be a big boost to the squad. She has fantastic vision and she controls a game so well.
“That’s not taking anything away from Robyn Wilkins, who had the backs running well outside her during the autumn.
“But there is more depth to the squad than ever before and the team is developing, with several squad members playing week-in, week-out in the English Premiership, alongside professional players.”
After victories over South Africa and Hong Kong last autumn, as well as a spirited display against one of the world’s top teams, Canada, Evans believes winning three games is a realistic target for Wales in this year’s Six Nations.
“Italy beat Scotland during the autumn, so we can’t forget about them. A lot of Scotland’s players play in the English Premiership and in France and their team is improving.
“The target for Wales is to win the two away fixtures against Italy and Scotland, to beat Ireland at home and give England and France a good test.”
Since retiring from international rugby, Evans has become the head coach of the Dolgellau men’s and women’s under 18s teams. But she admits that she misses pulling on the red jersey.
“This will be the second Six Nations since I retired and I’d still love to be out there playing – I’d like to know when that feeling will leave me.
“The camaraderie and the friends you make is a big part of it. When you’re driving a car-full up and down the A470 three times a week, you get to know your passengers very well – too well sometimes! I have some great memories, but on to the next chapter now, which is coaching.
“This is my first season coaching at Dolgellau. It’s been five months so far and I’m loving it.
“I enjoy keeping involved in the sport and the camaraderie and social side. It’s completely different to what I’m used to but they are listening to me and taking my messages on board.”
As well as three of the women’s matches, Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol will be showing three of the Under 20s team’s games live on S4C and Facebook Live, starting with France Under 20s versus Wales Under 20s on Sunday 3 February.
S4C is also the only channel where you can find live coverage of every one of the Wales men’s matches in the Guinness Six Nations, starting with France v Wales.
Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol: Six Nations 2019 on S4C
Men’s Team (All five matches)
Women’s team (Three matches – France, England and Ireland with English commentary on the red button)
Under 20s team (Three matches – France, England and Ireland with English commentary on the red button)
Available to watch on-demand at S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms