Swansea University are relishing this year’s women’s Six Nations championship with seven players linked to their set-up.

The university’s head of rugby, Siwan Lillicrap, will captain the squad – leading a group of 34 players bidding to win their first championship.

But there are six other players with their roots at the institution, all looking to play their part when Wales kick off their campaign against Italy at Cardiff Arms Park on February 2.

Cara Hope, Natalia John, Kelsey Jones and Robyn Lock are amongst the Wales forwards, while current student Courtney Keight is also named in the squad.

Meanwhile, undergraduate student Ruth Lewis from Pontardawe will be hoping to win her first cap for Wales as the 19-year-old Ospreys prop is included in the squad for the first time.

“It’s such a privilege and honour to be handed the role of Six Nations captain,” said Lillicrap. “It’s literally what my childhood dreams were made of and I hope I can do the shirt, the players, my family and the coaches proud.

“There are certainly other leaders in the squad, a group that will continue to grow and develop as we build towards the Rugby World Cup.

“The double header against the Barbarians at Principality Stadium was a huge occasion for women’s rugby in Wales.

“It was great to be able to show nearly​ 13 000 supporters what we’re all about and we hope many of them will support us at Cardiff Arms Park during this campaign.”