Welsh Feathers aim to repeat Celtic Cup heroics

Welsh Feathers are embracing the pressure of the favourites tag as they prepare to defend the Celtic Cup.

Emily Handyside's team defeated Scotland 59-47 in the final of the inaugural competition in 2024 after winning all three group games against Scotland, Northern Ireland and Zimbabwe.

This year's competition sees an increase from four to six teams with the addition of world number seven side Uganda She Cranes and the 18th-ranked side Namibia Desert Jewels.

Captain Bethan Dyke admits retaining their title is the ultimate goal.

"That's what we're going for [to win], we've been very honest with that from the start," she told BBC Sport Wales.

"We did so well at the Celtic Cup last year, taking home the trophy, and that's something we're definitely aiming to do again this season.

"It's an amazing opportunity to put on the red dress again.

"We learned a lot and playing those games in such short succession was really good and great prep for us again this time for the Commonwealth Games next year."

An undefeated 2024-25 campaign saw Wales rise to their best ever world ranking of sixth.

Welsh Feathers will warm up for the competition with two Tests against Zimbabwe in Cardiff on Saturday, 22 November and Sunday, 23 November before heading to Glasgow for five days of competition at Emirates Arena.

Assistant coach Natalie Roddy says the games will provide "an invaluable opportunity to play different styles".

"The variety that we'll meet and the fact that it's something like seven games in nine days, you can't get that anywhere else," Roddy said.

"It's also the opportunity to add different layers of experience for players that potentially don't have many caps or are coming into this almost new.

"I think it's also that belief in terms of Welsh netball and putting it in a really strong position in terms of the players that are coming through.

"These players can be admired and idolised, and hopefully players [come through] that will strive to be like them."

Ellie Blackwell, Vicky Booth, Millie Carter, Bethan Dyke (capt), Celyn Emanuel, Ffion Evans, Nansi Kuti, Zoe Matthewman, Leah Middleton, Caris Morgan, Ellen Morgan, Meg Pilkington, Georgia Rowe, Poppy Tydeman, Phillipa Yarranton.

*All times GMT

Wednesday, 26 November

Uganda She Cranes v Namibia Desert Jewels 14:30

Zimbabwe Gems v Northern Ireland Warriors 17:00

Scottish Thistles v Welsh Feathers 19:30

Thursday, 27 November

Northern Ireland Warriors v Uganda She Cranes 14:30

Namibia Desert Jewels v Scottish Thistles 17:00

Welsh Feathers v Zimbabwe Gems 19:30

Friday, 28 November

Namibia Desert Jewels v Zimbabwe Gems 14:30

Welsh Feathers v Northern Ireland Warriors 17:00

Scottish Thistles v Uganda She Cranes 19:30

Saturday, 29 November

Welsh Feathers v Namibia Desert Jewels 12:30

Uganda She Cranes v Zimbabwe Gems 15:00

Northern Ireland Warriors v Scottish Thistles 17:30

Sunday, 30 November

Namibia Desert Jewels v Northern Ireland Warriors 12:30

Welsh Feathers v Uganda She Cranes 15:00

Scottish Thistles v Zimbabwe Gems 17:30