female
international women
Nell Metcalfe believes Wales are a different team to the one she left behind as she prepares to return to Test rugby.
The 21-year-old has been named in Sean Lynn’s squad before WXV Global Series fixtures against Japan in October this year, and should earn her first title since Wales’ exit from the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025
Watching from the sidelines as Wales finish at the foot of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Earlier this year, Metcalfe impressed as her international teammates kicked off the WXV Global Series with a 50-19 win against South Africa. A week later, USA The Eagles Women came to Cardiff and won 26-24.
Even with the mixed results, there is a refreshed outlook on Wales and an anticipation of what the future might hold.
“The intensity we bring to training now, compared to the last time I was properly involved, is a lot better,” Metcalfe said.
“Having Ash (Beck) and Steve (Salvin) full-time has made a huge difference and I think you can see that in the way we’re playing. The girls were brilliant in those first two games – the intent, the desire to play and move the ball was really exciting to see. It’s a really exciting group to be back in.”
Metcalfe has so far not been seen on the field for Wales in the WXV Global Series. The 21-year-old has just recovered from a knee injury that saw her miss the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
The full-back has not played Test rugby since Wales’ 28-25 defeat Fiji at the end of theirs Women’s Rugby World Cup Campaign 2025 After months of rehabilitation, the 21-year-old is ready to make up for lost time.
“I feel 100% fit now,” Metcalfe said. “I’m feeling a lot better and stronger, and it was really nice to be back in full training and on the same schedule as everyone else.
“It’s been a long recovery, especially with the same back-to-back injury, so it took a little longer than I would have liked. But I’m in a much better place now and I’m really excited to get back out there.”
Wales conclude their WXV Global Series with a two-match tour of Japan. Games in Tokyo and Kumagaya City will give Wales the chance to end the autumn on a high note before they wait six months for the 2027 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Japan played two WXV Global Series matches in Europe. This included a 55-21 defeat of Italy and a 31-24 loss Ireland Galway.
A week later, Sakura Fifteen played Ireland again in an away game in Cork. Scott Bemand’s side won 43-19 at Virgin Media Park in what was the most comprehensive victory of the Irish autumn.
“We’re just really excited to get out there,” Metcalfe said. “Japan move the ball really well, they have really good skills and they have that desire to play, so I think we’ll want to match that.
“Our physical form was very good in the first two games, so we will certainly want to impose that on them as well.
“Just getting back on the court would be great. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself, just enjoy being back on the court.”