DRAGONS centre Rebecca De Filippo will start for Wales in their Six Nations opener against Scotland in Colwyn Bay on Friday.

The 23-year-old is in the XV for the clash in the north (kick-off 6pm) while regional teammate prop Cerys Hale is among the replacements.

Six uncapped players have been selected, four in the XV, with lock Natalia John (Ospreys), openside Beth Lewis (Scarlets), scrum-half Jade Knight (Scarlets) and wing Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Blues) set to earn their first caps.

In wing Jess Kavanagh-Williams and replacement forwards Gwenllian Pyrs and Teleri Davies (the latter initially named as a development player), there are three RGC players in the matchday squad. Scarlets back Lisa Neumann could also make her debut from the bench.

Head coach Rowland Phillips says he is building for the future with only three of his players boasting more than 20 caps.

“We’re beginning to see more competition for places, which is reflected in our selections,” said Phillips.

“We’ve got an average age of 24, so I expect these players to be pushing each other on for many years to come.

“It feels like a fresh start for Wales Women and we’re looking to play some good rugby against a strong Scotland side.”

Wales warmed up for the tournament with a friendly against Ireland in Ystrad Mynach, leading 19-17 at the break before losing 27-19 in testing conditions.

Captain and hooker Carys Phillips said: “I think the way we’ve prepped is making it even more exciting especially with bringing in 10 new caps this year.

“Coming off a back of, for us, a successful World Cup our confidence is high.

“It’s definitely given us strength in depth, it’s certainly picked up competition, no one is complacent within the squad now and I think that’s only good for us in development when we’re moving forward through the transition through the next four years for the next World Cup.”

Last season Phillips’ side finished a disappointing fifth with a solitary win against Italy on opening weekend. They were edged out 15-14 by the Scots in the borders.

Wales Women: Jodie Evans (Scarlets), Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Blues), Kerin Lake (Ospreys), Rebecca De Filippo (Dragons), Jess Kavanagh-Williams (RGC), Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys), Jade Knight (Scarlets), Caryl Thomas (Scarlets), Carys Phillips (captain, Ospreys), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Natalia John (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Alisha Butchers (Scarlets), Beth Lewis (Scarlets), Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys).

Replacements: Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Gwenllian Pyrs (RGC), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Teleri Davies (RGC), Nia Elen Davies (Scarlets), Rhiannon Parker (Cardiff Blues), Lleucu George (Scarlets), Lisa Neumann (Scarlets)