Wales to host Scotland Women's international debut ahead of England clash

Scotland women will play their first competitive senior international for world ranking points when they face Wales at Lexton Gnoll in Neath on Sunday, August 3 (kick off 1pm).

The fixture is the first of two consecutive international matches for Wales, who play England at the same venue on Saturday, August 9 (2pm), while Scotland will face Jamaica at Featherstone’s Millpond Stadium later in the year. 

Scotland women’s head coach, John Whalley commented: "We’re really looking forward to the chance at testing ourselves against a very good Wales team.

"We‘ve had a couple of months together now as a group and we are building nicely, we know it will be a tough fixture to go straight into but we want that challenge and we will embrace it.

"Wales are a top 10 nation with a quality squad and great coaching staff it has the makings of the start of something very special."

Scotland women will play their first senior international against Wales.

Wales women will face England the following week as both nations step up preparations for next year's World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea. 

It is the first time Wales have qualified for the Women's World Cup and head coach Tom Brindle says these matches will form a valuable part of the preparation.

"I’d like to thank the Wales board for supporting us, as these games are an important part of our long-term plan,” he commented. 

"Building on last year, it’s crucial that we play games every year to keep progressing and growing as a group and also to continue to inspire and help grow the game over the next decade in Wales.

"Playing Scotland on their international debut is an honour that we’re all incredibly proud of. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of several firsts in women’s rugby league. As the women’s game continues to thrive and grow, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

For England, it will be the first match since March's 90-4 loss to the Jillaroos in Las Vegas.

Stuart Barrow, England women's head coach, said: “We’re delighted to have an international fixture in Wales this summer. It was important to us to get back together with a short-term focus after Las Vegas as well as continuing to prepare for next year’s World Cup – and we know that Wales will provide passionate and well-coached opposition.”

Tickets for both matches are on sale now at wrl.wales/tickets, priced at:

• Adults: £10
• Concessions: £7
• Ages 12-16: £5
• Ages 11 and under: Free
• Family (two adults and two ages 12-16): £25
  Prices are per match.