SIWAN Lillicrap retains the Wales Women captaincy for today’s clash with invitational side Crawshay’s in Ebbw Vale (kick-off 2.30pm).

Wales face the first ever women’s Crawshay’s team at Eugene Cross Park in the fourth of their five-match autumn series.

After defeat by Spain in their opening encounter, Wales beat Ireland and Scotland, with Ospreys number-eight Lillicrap leading the team in the last two games.

Regular skipper Carys Phillips is once again left out of the matchday squad, having won her 50th international cap in the loss to Spain.

Chris Horsman, who is coaching Wales alongside Geraint Lewis and Gareth Wyatt with head coach Rowland Phillips taking time away from the role, is pleased with how the autumn has gone so far.

“The onus is very much on us this autumn,” he said. “We have set high standards for ourselves as players, coaches and support staff and it is great to see the improvements being made by the girls.

“What enthuses me most about working with this group of players is their thirst to learn and that’s all you can ask as a coach.

“It’s clear to see improvements across the board week on week and the matches are a reflection of that.

“To go from conceding four tries against Spain, to two against Ireland and none against Scotland is pleasing – we kept Scotland out of our 22 for almost the entire game, but it’s not about reaching a level and stopping, we need to constantly improve.

“We are very much focussing on us and it was great to see a growing cohesion and togetherness in the performance against Scotland.

“Our ambition for this campaign is to develop strength in depth, improve fitness and grow together as a team.”

Meanwhile, Crawshay’s, coached by former Wales captains Liza Burgess and Rachel Taylor, have representatives from four different countries.

Ireland prop Gill Bourke, Canada hooker Emily Tuttosi and USA elite sevens programme lock Hallie Taufoou line-up alongside Wales internationals Shona Powell-Hughes, Dyddgu Hywel, Meg York, Bethan Dainton, Sian Williams, Catrina Bowen and Jodie Evans.

Kim Jones of Pontyclun Falcons, who won her first Wales rugby league cap in the win over England Lions last weekend, RGC captain Beth Stafford and Swansea’s Rosie Mankee and Lowri Norkett have also been confirmed.

Entry for the game is £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and it’s free for under-16s.

Wales: P Randall; L Neumann, C Keight, K Powell, C Lewis; R Wilkins, K Bevan; G Pyrs, M Kelly, C Hale, N John, A Fleming, G Evans, R Lock, S Lillicrap (capt). Reps: K Jones, G Jenkins, S Lawrence, B Lewis, G Crabb, F Lewis, L Smyth, A de Smet.