BASINGSTOKE’S Louise Dodd has been selected as part of the United Kingdom Armed Forces Women’s Rugby squad to face Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Wednesday, November 8 (7.30pm).

The 23-year-old corporal in the army plays as an inside centre for Wasps and this will be her debut at this level, having been capped seven times for the Army.

Talking about being selected Dodd said: “This is dream come true and I am so excited for my first cap and represent the UKAF and play against an international team. This is one of the main reasons I joined the army, so it means a lot.”

Away from rugby, Dood’s day job is a registered nurse at Frimley Park Hospital, working in surgical high dependency unit.”

This fixture at Cardiff Arms Park is now well established and the UKAF players will look forward to returning following a heavy defeat last year, with memories of the 14-14 draw in 2015 to sustain their confidence.

The UKAF team - best described as the Lions of Service rugby - are drawn from the best players in the three services, Royal Navy, Army and royal Air Force and represent the pinnacle of rugby sporting achievement in the Armed Forces.

As always, the Women’s team are likely to boast a number of current, former and future international players while Wales plan to field a highly competitive side demonstrating their on-field respect for their opponents and recognition of the fixtures’ wider significance in the rugby and remembrance calendars.

Since 2014 each of UKAF’s remembrance matches has focused minds on the centenary of the First World War.

This year’s Remembrance match falls 100 years after the end of the battle of Passchendaele.

The women’s match also commemorates 100 years since the first women’s rugby match in Wales and mainland Britain.

The match, played on 16 December 1917 between Cardiff Ladies and Newport Ladies at Cardiff Arms Park was in aid of War Charities for those away fighting in the First World War and Newport won the match 6-0.

Echoing the purpose of that first Women’s game in Wales 100 years ago, the match this year will be played in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. UKAF will hope to raise even more than the £10,000 collected at last year’s Remembrance fixtures.

With UKAF attracting record crowds at both Men’s and Women’s matches in recent years, and more pre-match entertainment planned at both games for 2017 fans can look forward to a fantastic atmosphere and some excellent rugby, following the always poignant on-pitch act of Remembrance ahead of kick-off. Check out @UKAFRugby on facebook and twitter for ticketing and match updates.