Former Maidstone and Aylesford player Mollie Wilkinson in Wales squad for Women’s Six Nations opener against Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park

Former Maidstone and Aylesford rugby player Mollie Wilkinson has earned a call-up for the Women’s Six Nations.

Wilkinson is in the Wales squad who start their campaign against Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.

The 20-year-old qualifies for Wales through mum Paula and came to the coaches' attention while playing for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge tournament in January.

International recognition has come sooner than anticipated for the fly-half and she’s determined to enjoy the experience.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” said Wilkinson, a student at Bath University.

“The Celtic Challenge is all about developing the pathway for Welsh women, Irish women and Scottish women so they can compete with England, effectively.

“We knew the coaches were watching because we had a few full-time Welsh internationals playing in our team.

“For me, I was thinking I’m only 20, it’s not going to happen for me this year but they might see who I am and keep an eye on me.

“What I didn’t expect was to go straight into the Welsh squad.

“Any game-time would be massive. I’m not expecting to play loads but as a development thing it’s so cool to be in the environment.”

Wilkinson, who plays for Bristol Bears, linked up with her international team-mates at training last week.

“It’s been really good,” she said. “It was quite overwhelming and I probably looked a bit lost for the first few days but I got into it and was holding my own, I suppose.”

England - Wales’ second opponents in Bristol on March 30 - and France are the teams to beat in the Six Nations. But Welsh rugby is in a good place and the girls are confident of a strong campaign.

“The last couple of seasons they’ve finished third, behind England and France,” said Wilkinson. “We want