RGC Women winger Jess Kavanagh has been named in the starting line-up for the Welsh national side for their crunch clash with South Africa.

The talented back will look to make a further impact against international opposition at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (11.30am), which kicks-off a three-test autumn series for the group over the next month.

It is the biggest autumn series to date for Wales Women and comes on the back of a ramped up regional programme designed to improve conditioning, skills and match performances.

Another RGC Women representative has been named in the squad, with Lisa Neumann looking to make a significant impact from the bench if called upon.

Head coach Rowland Phillips, said: "Playing three autumn tests is a serious statement of intent with regards to the continued development of Welsh women's rugby.

“On the back of the last Women's Rugby World Cup, we highlighted the need to play more competitive rugby and gain more profile for the women's game and we had the full backing of the Welsh Rugby Union in putting together a full autumn campaign.

"Women's rugby in Wales is growing, many young girls now have an ambition to play to a high standard, inspired by former and current internationals and it's no surprise that the most successful international teams have a large playing base to support that.

"We want to help make those connections and it's great to see girls who play in the girls' clusters around Wales will be part of Saturday's match as a huge guard of honour.

"All players involved on Saturday have come through the recent regional pre-season and competition phase which has already produced some obvious results in terms of physical gains and improvements in performance.

"However, we are in the business of preparing teams for international rugby so the true test of the programme will be in our performances over the next three weeks."

"We know that South Africa are a good, powerful side who have made significant progress recently. It's a great opportunity to play these matches as part of the international weekends in Cardiff."

Following their clash against the Springboks, Wales take on Hong Kong and Canada on November 16 and 24.

Wales Women: Lauren Smyth (Ospreys); Jasmine Joyce (Scarlets), Alecs Donovan (Ospreys), Kerin Lake (Ospreys), Jess Kavanagh (RGC); Robyn Wilkins (Blues), Keira Bevan(Ospreys) ; Caryl Thomas (Dragons), Carys Phillips (captain, Ospreys), Amy Evans (Ospreys), Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys), Mel Clay (Ospreys), Alisha Butchers (Scarlets), Bethan Lewis (Dragons), Sioned Harries (Scarlets)

Replacements: Kelsey Jones (Ospreys), Cara Hope (Ospreys), Cerys Hale (Dragons), Natalia John (Ospreys), Manon Johnes (Blues), Ffion Lewis (Scarlets), Alicia McComish (Dragons), Lisa Neumann (RGC)