HOCKEY trio Rose Thomas, Sophie Clayton and Danielle Jordan and gymnastics starlet Maisie Methuen have all been named in the Team Wales party for next month's Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Abergavenny’s Thomas, fresh from making her Great Britain debut, Clayton, from Newport, and Cwmbran’s Jordan will be led at Gold Coast 2018, which runs from April 4-15, by Leah Wilkinson.

She has taken on the role of skipper from Usk’s Abi Welsford, who retired from international action earlier this year – the two currently hold the title of most-capped Welsh female hockey player.

Head coach Kevin Johnson said: “This particular selection process has been the most competitive we have experienced in recent times and therefore it is an indication of the squad depth we have been trying to develop over time.

“Over the last couple of months, the players have demonstrated clear improvements physically, technically and tactically and we feel we are well placed to meet the challenge of facing higher ranked opponents that the Commonwealth Games will throw at us with a very positive mindset.

“We are continually motivated by challenge and excited about what the future holds for us as a group and this tournament is another stepping stone on this process and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve.”

Meanwhile, Pontypool youngster Methuen features in a 13-strong gymnastics team which includes Laura Halford, who won a silver and two bronze medals at Glasgow 2014.

Methuen, 16, British champion on the floor last year, is set to make her Games debut after travelling with Team GB to the Rio Olympics to experience the atmosphere of a major competition.

She is one of five women’s artistic gymnasts Wales have picked, with Emily Thomas, Latalia Bevan, Holly Jones and Jolie Ruckley being the others.

Jac Davies, Iwan Mepham, Clinton Purnell, Josh Cook and Benjamin Eyre make up the men's artistic team, while the rhythmic squad is Halford, Abigail Hanford and Gemma Frizelle.

Jo Coombs, head of performance and excellence at Welsh Gymnastics, said: ‘We are thrilled that so many of our gymnasts are flying out to Australia to represent their country.

“This team announcement is the culmination of four years of hard work, dedication and commitment and we couldn’t be prouder of all who have been chosen to compete at the Games.

“Glasgow 2014 was a pivotal moment for Welsh Gymnastics, as it was our most successful games ever, bringing home 10 medals.

“It is also a testament to our centralised elite squad programme in Cardiff that nearly all of the female gymnasts chosen to represent Wales are from that programme.”