Former England Under-20s captain Jenny Hesketh has been included in Wales’ 47-player training camp for the Six Nations.

Hesketh links up with the extended training squad this week as Wales prepare to host Scotland in their tournament opener on 23 March.

“We are looking forward to being back together,” said Ioan Cunningham.

The Wales head coach added: “We have named a large squad to assess where we are and to reward those players who have impressed with their clubs and, particularly, the players who have played in the Celtic Challenge.

“It’s a chance for the coaches and staff to have a closer look at every player and to see how they deliver in a professional environment.

“For the players, who have genuine international ambitions, it’s an opportunity to see the standards that we expect, on and off the field, and to be aligned with the requirements of Test match rugby.”

Brython Thunder number eight Shona Wakley and Gwalia Lightning centre Rebecca De Filippo are included after impressing in the Celtic Challenge.

Australia-born Welsh-qualified backrower Tess Evans also has the chance to further her Test cap hopes.

“The culture we have as a squad is important and we want all the players selected to understand and buy in to who we are and where we are heading as a national team,” added Cunningham.

“We are beginning to build some real strength-in-depth and competition for places with more players getting regular game-time under their belts.

“The Celtic Challenge is delivering with players now playing a higher standard of rugby.

“The training camp will be tough and we make no excuses for that because wearing the Wales jersey is a privilege and has to be earned.”

Wales finished third in last year’s Six Nations to qualify for the inaugural WXV1 tournament.

They welcome Scotland to Cardiff Arms Park on 23 March before facing England at Ashton Gate a week later.

Cunningham’s side then travel to Musgrave Park to face Ireland on 13 April before hosting France and Italy in Cardiff on 21 April and 27 April respectively.

Wales’ extended Six Nations training squad:

Backs: Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones, Hannah Bluck, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan, Courtney Keight, Carys Williams-Morris, Meg Webb, Kerin Lake, Robyn Wilkins, Meg Davies, Amelia Tutt, Niamh Terry, Ffion Lewis, Jenny Hesketh, Kelsey Webster, Rebecca De Filippo, Cath Richards, Sian Jones, Ellie Tromans.

Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis, Abbey Constable, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Gwen Crabb, Alisha Butchers, Cerys Hale, Bryonie King, Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Molly Reardon, Jenni Scoble, Alaw Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Tess Evans, Gwennan Hopkins, Shona Wakley, Cadi-Lois Davies.