women
international women
Four wins in 2026, a new team identity and a growing sense of belief – Wales they are beginning to see the rewards of their restoration and this is just the beginning.
After nine Tests without a win, Sean Lynn’s side head into theirs WXV Global Series opener vs South Africa with plenty of evidence. Facing a Springboks side ranked three places higher in the world, it was expected to be a tough 80 minutes, but what followed was arguably a statement of intent.
An eight-try 50-19 demolition of the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park set the tone for a memorable run and Wales backed it up with two more Test wins in Japan in the past few weeks.
Just a narrow 26-24 loss to the world’s sixth-ranked side USA The Women’s Eagles prevented a perfect run, but Wales definitely have a lot to celebrate as they finish their WXV Global Series campaign on a high.
Much of that progress has come from a clear vision, hard work and a willingness to give youth opportunities and allow experienced players to continue to progress and adapt.
Head coach Sean Lynn has not shied away from big selection calls and has backed emerging talent, with the first glimpse of his new look coming in a 34-17 win over the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in June.
Lynn has made 12 new signings during his 18 months in charge, with brilliant young talents such as Freya Bell, Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe and Amy Williams all now putting their hands up for starting jerseys.
For Wales co-captain Kate Williams, the foundations for something exciting are beginning to be laid.
“In this pre-season we’ve had, we’ve identified the things we need to work on and we’ve been really, really specific about how we wanted to play and how we, as a Wales team with the players we’ve got, can exploit other teams but also play in a way that’s exciting and a Wales way.
“We’ve established a DNA and I’m really, really proud of all the hard work – physical and mental – that not only the players but the staff have put in.
“When it comes to things on the field, it’s so competitive on the team that it shows on the field against other teams.”
That competitive spirit is exactly what Lynn wanted to see, and with places up for grabs and younger players pushing established names, standards in the squad are rising.
He echoed what Williams explained, adding: “It (Wales’ progress) is down to the hard work of the players and the staff.
“The older players now have that competitive element of knowing their jersey is not theirs. With the youth coming in, there is a competitive edge in this team.”
“We’ve gone for four or five things in these last 12 weeks, and you can start to see the evidence of that on the pitch.
“Are we a finished product? No, we’re not, but we see the bigger picture of that roadmap to 2029 (the Women’s Rugby World Cup), and the players now have to go back to PWR and Celtic Challenge because we’re still looking to move that dial.
“I can’t fault the effort of the players and staff. It’s been a really intense 11 weeks and for us to come out and win two test matches is an incredible achievement for all the players and staff.
“A huge pat on the back to everyone,” he concluded.
So while there is still work to be done, and Williams and Lynn are under no illusions about it, four wins in 2026, 12 new games under Lynn and a team that is increasingly competing for every jersey are encouraging signs that the rebuild is moving in the right direction.
Foundations are being laid, identity is taking shape and Welsh belief is growing.