Wales head coach Sean Lynn has unveiled a 39-player squad for the upcoming WXV Global Series, which includes eight uncapped players. This selection reflects the depth of talent emerging within Welsh rugby as the team gears up for crucial matches against South Africa and the USA.
Among the notable inclusions are back-row forwards Alex Callender and Kate Williams, who will serve as co-captains for the Tests scheduled at Cardiff Arms Park. Both players bring valuable experience to the squad, with Callender looking to return to international play after missing the Six Nations due to injury. Williams, who also faced challenges earlier in the year, is eager to make her mark in these important fixtures.
The squad also features wings Amy Williams and Kelsie Webster, along with prop Stella Orrin, who made her debut in an uncapped match against the Barbarians in June. In addition to these players, five other newcomers have been selected: props Crystal James and Elan Jones, hooker Shanelle Williams, scrum half Megan Davey, and centre Hanna Tudor. This infusion of fresh talent is a testament to the rigorous training and competition for spots within the team.
Head coach Lynn expressed his satisfaction with the squad's development, stating, "This selection underlines how hard the players, coaches, and staff have worked, and we are seeing competition for places really develop in the squad." His comments highlight the commitment and effort being put forth during the pre-season training, which has been designed to elevate the team's performance levels.
The WXV Global Series will kick off for Wales on Friday, September 18, against South Africa at 19:15 BST, followed by a home match against the USA on Saturday, September 26, at 15:00 BST. After these initial fixtures, Wales will travel to Japan for two Tests, facing off against the host nation in Tokyo on October 23 and again in Kumagaya on October 31. With all three opponents ranked above Wales, who currently sit at 12th in the world following a challenging period of nine consecutive Test defeats, these matches are crucial for the team's morale and standing.
Wales did manage to break their losing streak against the Barbarians, which provided a much-needed boost for the squad. Lynn noted that the experience gained from fielding a less experienced side in that match has provided valuable insights as they prepare for the WXV series.
Looking ahead, Wales plans to conduct a probables versus possibles training game to further refine their selection for the opening match against South Africa. This approach aims to ensure that the team is as competitive as possible, with Lynn having previously named a larger training squad of 46 players in August before narrowing it down for the WXV fixtures.
As the squad prepares for these significant encounters, several players, including Lily Hawkins, Ffion Williams, Savannah Picton Powell, and others, will miss out on the Cardiff fixtures. The focus now shifts to ensuring that the selected players are ready to face the challenges ahead in what promises to be an exciting WXV Global Series.
Leave a Comment