Wales women's rugby team finished the WXV Global Series with three victories from four matches, marking a significant turnaround after a nine-Test losing streak that saw them drop to a record low world ranking of 13th. Head coach Sean Lynn admitted the side is far from the finished product but expressed encouragement at the progress made on the roadmap to the 2029 World Cup.
Transformation under Lynn
Wales recorded an eight-try win over South Africa in Cardiff and two Test victories in Japan, with only a narrow two-point defeat to a top-six USA side preventing a clean sweep. The team has won four matches in 2026, three more than in the entire previous year. Lynn credited a brutal pre-season and the addition of assistant coaches Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin, defence coach Tyrone Holmes, and strength and conditioning specialist Gareth Harris for providing stability. Co-captain Kate Williams highlighted the establishment of a team DNA and intense competition within the squad.
Emerging talent and selection
Lynn has capped 12 new players during his 18 months in charge, unearthing talents such as Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe, Freya Bell, and Amy Williams. The coach praised Williams' bravery and ability to beat defenders, noting that young players have adapted quickly to the international arena. Senior players now face genuine competition for places, with Lynn unafraid to make bold selection calls, as seen in the 34-17 victory over the Barbarians that offered a first glimpse of his new-look side.
Half-back puzzle
Uncertainty remains at fly-half and scrum-half. Kayleigh Powell impressed at 10 alongside Lockwood against the Barbarians but missed the WXV campaign due to a hamstring injury. Keira Bevan, usually a scrum-half, played at fly-half against South Africa and sparked an improved attacking display, though a head injury to Lockwood limited that partnership to 30 minutes. Lleucu George started at fly-half against the USA and in the second Japan Test, with Wales reverting to a territorial kicking game. Lynn hopes the 2027 Six Nations will provide continuity in these pivotal positions.
Lions contenders
With the historic women's British and Irish Lions tour scheduled for next year, several Wales players have strengthened their cases. Co-captain Alex Callender has been colossal since returning from injury, leading with tackles and turnovers. Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu is back to her best, scoring four tries this autumn and proving a handful as a ball carrier. Bevan's versatility across both half-back roles and Lockwood's maturity, breakdown threat, and try-scoring instinct also make them contenders for selection.
Six Nations outlook
Wales have not won a Six Nations match since edging Italy in the final round of the 2024 championship. The 2027 edition opens against reigning champions England at the Principality Stadium, a fixture Lynn described as exciting. Players return to the Premiership Women's Rugby and Celtic Challenge competitions with renewed confidence, aiming to build on a year that Callender called a roller coaster but a privilege.
