Freya Bell ruled out of Wales finale as knee scan results awaited

Wales centre Freya Bell has been ruled out of the team's final international of 2026 after suffering a knee injury during Saturday's 17-0 victory over Japan in Tokyo. BBC Sport reported that the Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed her absence from the second WXV Global Series Test, which takes place in Kumagaya City on 31 October.

Bell, who turned 21 this week, was taken off on a stretcher in the 53rd minute at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium after landing awkwardly in a tackle. She is awaiting scan results, and the WRU said the full extent of the injury would be assessed after she returns home. She will stay in Japan for the remainder of the tour and travel back with the squad on Sunday.

The update confirms Bell's absence from the return fixture but does not establish a diagnosis or a longer-term recovery timetable. The centre made her senior Wales debut against England during the 2026 Six Nations. Her injury came in a match that delivered Wales' second victory of their current WXV campaign.

Before leaving the field, Bell had contributed at both ends of the pitch. According to BBC Sport's match report, she combined with Sisilia Tuipulotu to prevent Japan prop Wako Kitano from grounding the ball over the line. She later carried close to Japan's try-line before scrum-half Seren Lockwood scored the opening try in the 35th minute, then kicked the conversion for a 7-0 half-time lead.

Courtney Keight came on after Bell's departure, while Lleucu George was also introduced before the hour. Wales extended their advantage through Kelsey Jones, who scored from a driving maul in the 65th minute. Lockwood completed the scoring with her second try three minutes from time, finishing out wide following a pass from George.

The three-try win came in difficult conditions, with wind, rain and humidity contributing to handling and kicking errors. Wales finished without a try bonus point but recorded their first shutout since a 65-0 victory over Hong Kong in November 2018. Sean Lynn's side now face the second Japan Test without Bell, with further assessment of her knee still pending.