By Hannah Blackwell
Wales wing Lisa Neumann is confident Wales Women can be very competitive in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations which kicks off on Saturday.
Ioan Cunningham’s side start with a tough assignment in Dublin against a strong Ireland side.
This is the first Six Nations tournament since the Welsh Rugby Union’s historic decision to award 12 female players professional contracts, with a further 12 since signing part time deals.
Gloucester-Hartpury wing Neumann was one of the 12 who have gone professional.
The 28-year-old believes Wales can be a different proposition during this championship but has urged the Welsh rugby public to be patient as they look to drive the women’s game forward.
“I guess the fact that so many of us are now contracted brings a pressure,” she said. “I would say things like that do take time.
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“It doesn’t just happen overnight for results to come. It would be amazing if we can bring those results, but things take time.
“If it takes weeks, months, or years it’s all about building. It will be exciting to see how we perform during this Six Nations.
“You can see within the training programmes skills getting better. It’s amazing to see so hopefully results will happen soon.”
Cunningham has selected a strong side to take on Ireland with full-back Kayleigh Powell returning for her first Test since last year’s Six Nations.
Kelsey Jones also returns to the matchday squad after missing the autumn while Sioned Harries returns for the first time since facing Ireland in November 2019.
Sisilia Tuipulotu is set to make her debut if she comes off the bench.
Neumann, who starts on the wing, is expecting a fierce battle against Ireland.
“Ireland are a very good team, and we are expecting a tough battle,” she said.
you can watch all of todays W6N’s. here is where and when pic.twitter.com/COGxNidmng
— Womens Rugby Wales 🏴 (@WalesWomens) March 26, 2022
“We know we will have to be at our best to come out on top, but there is a confidence within the squad that we can be very competitive.
“It is getting a lot more intense, and there’s a switch in mindset because it’s game week, but there’s a lot more preparation going into this week.
“It’s very different to the usual weeks in terms of training load and switching on in terms of the analysis. It’s very exciting though.
“When I first got into the programme, I expected it to be slightly different due to the numbers of the people who were contracted. It’s been incredible.
“I’m so glad I took this opportunity to be involved but it’s amazing to have this opportunity to just be able to train and have that time to recover. I’d recommend anyone to do it if they could. I love it.”
Wales: Kayleigh Powell; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Jasmine Joyce; Elinor Snowsill, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Cerys Hale, Natalia John, Gwen Crabb, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Siwan Lillicrap (capt).
Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Cara Hope, Donna Rose, Sioned Harries, Bethan Lewis, Ffion Lewis, Robyn Wilkins, Sisilia Tuipulotu.
Ireland: Eimear Considine; Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood, Lucy Mulhall; Nicole Cronin, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Katie O’Dwyer, Nichola Fryday (capt), Sam Monaghan, Dorothy Wall, Edel McMahon, Brittany Hogan
Replacements: Emma Hooban, Chloe Pearse, Christy Haney, Anna McGann, Hannah O’Connor, Kathryn Dane, Enya Breen, Beibhinn Parsons.