No stone is unturned for Welsh coach Cunningham

By BEN JAYCOCK

Influence: Siwan Lillicrap leads the Welsh charge

Head coach Ioan Cunningham believes this Wales team head into the World Cup as the country's “best-prepared side in its history” at a time when unions across the world are upping their investment in women's rugby.

Cunningham has named a 32-strong squad featuring 18 forwards and 14 backs, with Siwan Lillicrap named as captain and Hannah Jones vice-captain.

Sioned Harries, below, Elinor Snowsill and Caryl Thomas are heading to their fourth World Cup while, in contrast, 19 players are poised to play in the tournament for the first time.

“We are delighted with the group we've settled on, we are really looking forward to seeing what we can do when we touch down in New Zealand next week,” Cunningham said.

“Siwan is a brilliant captain on and off field. She has a great tactical mind and an understanding of what calls to make at what moment. Her communication with referees and her game management skills are second to none. She benefits the team in many ways.”

The professional era in Wales began in January this year, when 12 players became full-time pros, plus 12 more on semipro deals. But Cunningham has actually had 29 full-time players, two part-time and further non-contracted players to work with since the start of July.

Second row Sisilia Tuipulotu is the cousin of Welsh men's No.8 Taulupe Faletau and England's Vunipola brothers Mako and Billy, and heads into her first World Cup despite being just 18.

She said: “I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm loving being in the camp. The only thing I can do is learn more and hopefully show what I can do on the pitch.

“It is a lot of pressure playing at a World Cup at such a young age but I'm taking it day by day. “I probably have more family in New Zealand than I do here and when I saw them at the airport I just burst into tears.”