Wales Women - Six Nations Preview

WALES captain Hannah Jones believes her side can close the gap to England and France.

Since the introduction of professional contracts, Wales’ development has been excellent, coming third in last year’s Six Nations – their best finish for 13 years – and reaching the World Cup quarter-final.

Jones is confident her side can continue that momentum and challenge the top sides. “We’re looking to build on performances from last year and close that gap,” she said.

“England have picked up a few knocks so we can go in looking to be confident.

“With the game growing and every nation bringing in contracts it’s going to be who trains the hardest and who has the best skills. There’s more expectation on us having more contracts but we’re a new group as well and we’re looking to build on performances from the World Cup.”

Centre Jones was handed the captaincy ahead of the World Cup and is one of the most experienced members of the squad having made her debut aged 18 in 2015.

She now leads an exciting squad featuring six uncapped players for the first time in a Six Nations campaign and looks to continue steering the Welsh transformation.

“Being involved in women’s rugby is great and I never thought this would happen in my age so I’m just really grateful to have this opportunity,” the 26-year-old added.

England and France have been a cut above the rest in previous years, but question marks surround both sides this year with a raft of injuries ravaging England and many top French players retiring after the World Cup, leaving the door open for Wales to strike.

“You go into the matches with a winning mindset, but there’s definitely a chance this year,” Jones said.

“We created a lot of opportunities at the World Cup to score and now we’re looking to convert and finish tries off this tournament.”

Ioan Cunningham’s side host Ireland in their opener and will hope to back up last year’s stunning comeback victory against them to lay down a marker for the rest of the campaign.

“The first game, whoever we play, is always a big game,” said Jones.

“We’re looking to build on last year and hopefully it goes our way.”