Wales Name Eight Uncapped Players in 39-Strong WXV Squad

Wales have selected eight uncapped players in a 39-member squad for their WXV Global Series fixtures, as head coach Sean Lynn broadens competition before Tests against South Africa and the United States in Cardiff. Back-row forwards Alex Callender and Kate Williams have been appointed co-captains for the two home matches at Cardiff Arms Park.

BBC Sport reported that wings Amy Williams and Kelsie Webster and prop Stella Orrin are among the uncapped group after appearing in Wales' non-cap match against the Barbarians at Twickenham in June. Props Crystal James and Elan Jones, hooker Shanelle Williams, scrum-half Megan Davey and centre Hanna Tudor are the other players awaiting their first Test appearances.

Callender is in line for her first cap since the 2025 World Cup after injury kept her out of the Six Nations. Kate Williams also missed the final three rounds of that championship. Their returns add experience to a group that Lynn reduced from an extended 46-player training squad announced in August, although Davey was subsequently brought into the training group.

Wales begin the series against South Africa on Friday, September 18, with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 p.m. BST. They then face the United States on Saturday, September 26, at 3 p.m. BST. The campaign continues in Japan, with Tests in Tokyo on October 23 and Kumagaya on October 31.

Each of Wales' three opponents is ranked above them. Wales have fallen to 12th in the world following nine consecutive Test defeats, but they ended that losing sequence in the uncapped Barbarians fixture in June. Lynn said the opening three weeks of preseason had increased the physical and rugby demands on the players and helped drive standards through competition within the squad.

A probables-versus-possibles training match is planned to assist the final selection for the South Africa opener. Lily Hawkins, Ffion Williams, Savannah Picton Powell, Hannah Marshall, Molly Wakely, Tilly Vucaj, Lucy Isaac and Anwen Owen were not included for the Cardiff fixtures. The final squad comprises 18 backs and 21 forwards, giving Wales a sizeable group for the two home Tests and the later trip to Japan.