SCIENCE teacher Robyn Wilkins hopes to come up with the right formula for Bassaleg School's sevens team after she's helped Wales find a solution in the Women's Six Nations.

The 24-year-old is currently pulling the strings in the tournament and won her 46th cap in the defeat to Ireland last weekend.

Wales had an encouraging autumn but have suffered losses to Italy and the Irish with a powerful France team heading to Cardiff in round three.

Wilkins will be a key figure at the Arms Park, then against England at Twickenham Stoop and in the finale against Scotland.

The fly-half will then help the next generation with the aim of taking a Bassaleg team to the Urdd WRU 7s.

South Wales Argus:

"Bassaleg have been great with rugby," said Wilkins. "I'm so lucky to have such a supportive head teacher and science department who allow me to have time off if necessary. It takes the pressure off when I need to miss things like meetings.

"We're looking to develop and get a team in the Urdd tournament this year, and then if we get numbers at training we may look to expand and get games as well.

"I'm sure the girls will be keen for that and it's something we can do in the future."

Wilkins' father Gwilym enjoyed a career on the wing with Bridgend, Aberavon and Neath and was capped against Tonga in 1994.

South Wales Argus:

She said: "My dad played rugby, I was really fortunate that there were teams around that allowed me to play with and against boys.

"I played from a young age, starting out at about seven or eight in primary school and at Pyle RFC. I watched dad play rugby and I guess I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

"I got my first cap at 18, it happened so quickly. I can still remember that first cap. It's my seventh Six Nations now, but that first cap still feels like yesterday, it's gone really quickly.

"I've really enjoyed my time but at my age now, I think I've matured and I'm taking more of a leadership role this year. Hopefully I can lead by example."

Wales are working hard to get up and running in the Six Nations as they continue to work towards next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

With France and England still to play it is going to be hard to match the 2019 effort of two wins, a draw and two losses but it won't be down to a lack of effort.

"We know how hard everyone's working," said coach Gareth Wyatt, the former Dragons back.

"The girls created some opportunities on Sunday but unfortunately we couldn't take them and Ireland deserved the win and we are working hard to put little things right ahead of France. 
"There was a fantastic crowd at the Arms Park against Italy, the girls love playing there and really appreciate the support they get.

"They'll be as desperate as we are as coaches to put a performance for the supporters and I'm sure we'll see that on the day."

Go to wru.wales/waleswomen for tickets for Wales Women's home games against France on Sunday, February 23 and Scotland on Sunday, March 15.