Wales switch 'non-negotiable' for new cap Prothero

Wales' newest cap Nikita Prothero admits to being an introvert with a slight tattoo addiction.

Of the 25 inked on her body, the England-born utility back proudly points to the one across her forearm which bears the Welsh word "hiraeth".

It can have a few translations, but for Prothero it represents a longing for home and a longing for Wales.

"My whole family lives in Wales, but my parents moved to London when they were growing up so we were kind of the English of the Welsh," she said.

Prothero represented England Under-18s and 20s, and despite the lure of playing for the world's best side, she chose the three feathers over the Red Roses.

"The switch to Wales was kind of non-negotiable in terms of where my journey was at and the relationship I already had with Lynny [Wales head coach Sean Lynn] from being at Hartpury College," Prothero said.

Prothero joined Sale Sharks three years ago, but has played most of her rugby for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge this season.

"I was unhappy with my game time at Sharks, " she said.

"The season before I played about 20 games and this year I was only on my second so I was - not disappointed because obviously the PWR is world class - but I wanted more from myself as a 23-year-old.

"I want to be playing rugby week-in and week-out and the Championship in England just doesn't provide that kind of level at the moment."

Prothero's performances for Lightning were enough to impress Lynn, who included her as one of nine uncapped players in his Six Nations squad, and she made her debut on the wing in the away defeat by Ireland last Saturday.

Image caption,

Nikita Prothero made this season's Celtic Challenge play-offs with Gwalia Lightning

"Getting a cap is unbelievable. I didn't really expect it this early on, especially with the Six Nations being the hardest tournament," Prothero said.

"I was absolutely buzzing and getting my cap in front of my family, my friends, it was really special.

"I'm really happy that he [Lynn] has a belief in me and obviously sees something in me."

Prothero hopes to push for selection in Wales' final Six Nations game at home to Italy on Sunday (12:15 BST), but recognises she may have to bide her time.