Rachel Taylor retains the captaincy from last season with Gemma Hallett and Elen Evans the vice-captains for a campaign that will see them open up at home to Ireland on February 3.

And with the top four nations making it through to next year’s World Cup, Edwards is confident he has got the right blend of youth and experience.

“I’m quite excited about the squad which has been selected,” said Edwards.

“We’ve selected from form where the likes of Rafiuke Taylor have taken a chance given to her. It wasn’t long ago she was playing in the lower divisions.

“She was thrown in against Spain and didn’t look out of her depth on the wing – plus she knows where the try-line is.

“If we can pick up a win hopefully that will set us up for a good little run. France, Italy and Scotland are always difficult on their own patch but we’ve got a good squad which I think can challenge those teams.

“As a squad we’re also looking forward to playing our home games at Aberavon as it is an established club with a wide pitch and we want to play an expansive game.”

Prop Catrin Edwards, second row Hallett, flanker Catrina Nicholas and fly half Elinor Snowsill all return to the Six Nations squad after missing last year’s championship, and Edwards is delighted to have them back at his disposal.

“The fact that we’ve got a few players coming back into the squad is great because they bring a lot of experience to the squad,” added Edwards.

“It also means we have stiff competition for places which may not have been the case in the past.

“If we start well against Ireland and pick up a win that takes a lot of pressure off us."