Wales squad to have talks about changing shorts colour due to period concerns

England’s new home kit features blue shorts and Scotland are in discussion about switching from white.

Wales captain Sophie Ingle (centre) and her team-mates have worn shorts playing for their country (Simon Galloway/PA) (PA Archive)

Wales manager Gemma Grainger says her squad plan to holds talks over wearing white shorts due to period concerns.

England’s new home kit, launched on Monday, features blue shorts after player concern over wearing white while on periods.

While the Republic of Ireland has chosen to stick with white, Scotland are in discussion about changing to a darker colour and Manchester City women’s team switched to burgundy earlier this season.

“We haven’t had that conversation with our group yet and that is something we will do,” Grainger said ahead of Wales’ home friendly with Northern Ireland on Thursday.

“As the manager I want to listen to the players and ultimately want them to be comfortable, because from a performance perspective that’s what I demand from them.

“So ultimately if they are comfortable that’s key. We haven’t had those discussions yet, but we will.

“My focus with those discussions is very much listening to the players’ needs and making sure they are able to perform to the best of their ability.”

Wales captain Sophie Ingle echoed Grainger’s desire to hold conversations around white shorts.

“We probably do need to discuss it as a team,” said Chelsea midfielder Ingle.

“The first few days of camp are always very busy and we’re focusing on the game, but sometimes we have to look at things away from the training pitch and what’s going to work for us as a team.

“I don’t know until I speak to the whole team how everyone feels about it, and I think it’s going to be a very individual-based feeling.

“But I know the FAW (Football Association of Wales) will be very supportive of whatever our decision will be to do with white shorts.”

Wales suffered World Cup play-off despair last October, losing to a last-gasp Switzerland winner, before returning to action at February’s Pinatar Cup.

Grainger’s side finished second in the four-team competition after beating the Philippines and drawing with Iceland and Scotland.

“We saw Northern Ireland at the European Championship last year and they are great opposition for us,” said Grainger, whose side play a second friendly during this international window in Portugal on Tuesday.

“We’re looking ahead to that Nations League draw on May 2 and we know our 10 day windows will have home and away game elements, so this gives us a chance to rehearse and get in to the swing of that.”

Record goalscorer Helen Ward is set to receive a send-off from the Cardiff City Stadium crowd after announcing her international retirement in March.

Grainger said: “It feels different for us all that Helen is not here. But it’s great to know that Helen is coming to the game and we are going to take the opportunity to celebrate her.

“She is a big part of who we are moving forward, although not as a player, and we’ve got plans for her in an off-the-pitch perspective that I know she will be just as passionate about as when she was playing.”