women
international women
Wales Head coach Sean Lynn made a big choice for his team WXV Global Series opener against the Springbok Women.
Keira Bevan has been named to start at half-back South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park. The 29-year-old, who is more often seen at fly-half, will line up at full-back alongside Seren Lockwood. It’s the first time Bevan has made the halfway mark for her country.
Lleucu George, who is Wales’ regular scrum-half, is named among the substitutes, where there is a 6-2 split.
There are three potential debutants in the team. Amy Williams has been named to start on the wing, while whore Shanelle Williams and stalwart prop Elan Jones are on the bench.
The team will be co-captained by back-row pair Alex Callender and Kate Williams.
Sean Lynn, Wales head coach, said: “The 23 players selected for our first WXV clash against South Africa have been selected based on how they performed during a tough pre-season.
“The whole squad have really pushed each other and we’ve moved the dial in terms of our physical and rugby preparation. This has been a tough selection process and the competition in the squad during pre-season has really driven this selection.
“All the selected players know that it is a privilege to wear the red jersey and an opportunity to make themselves, their families and the nation proud.
“We know this will be a real test of where we are and all 23 players know the responsibility they carry when representing Wales. We have selected a strong and experienced bench, knowing each player has a role to play under the lights on Friday night in Cardiff.
“South Africa pride themselves on their physical strength and we know we have to match them in that area, and we know what to expect. Keira Bevan will start first at fly half and has trained there during pre-season and has a wealth of experience in the Test arena.
“Amy Williams really impressed in the win over the Barbarians and has worked hard in pre-season and she thoroughly deserves this opportunity and her first match in Wales.”
2026 WXV Global Series | Day 23 Wales v South Africa match
15 Lisa Neumann (Leicester Tigers) 52 games, 35 points
14 Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder) four games
13 Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks) 33 games, five points
12 Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning) two games
11 Amy Williams (Brython Thunder) uncapped
10 Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears) 83 games, 162 points
9 Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder) nine games, five points
1 Maisie Davies (Exeter Chiefs) 17 games
2 Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks) 57 games, 35 points
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins) 34 games, 40 points
4 Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder) Six games
5 Georgia Evans (Saracens) 48 games, 15 points
6 Kate Williams (Gloucester Hartpury, co-captain) 26 games, 25 points
7 Alex Callender (Harlequins, co-captain) 47 games, 45 points
8 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning) 17 games
Substitutions
16. Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder) no drop
17. Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks) 56 games, 20 points
18. Elan Jones (Brython Thunder) uncapped
19. Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder) 42 games, 15 points
20. Jorja Aiono (Gloucester Hartpury) Five games
21. Alisha Joyce (Brython Thunder) 57 games, 35 points
22. Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury) 40 games, 15 points
23. Jenna De Vera (Brython Thunder) two games
