CARDIFF — Head coach Sean Lynn has named nine uncapped players in a new-look Wales squad for the 2026 Women's Six Nations. Kate Williams will take on the sole captaincy after Alex Callender was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury.

Sean Lynn selected 38 players based on form and the amount of game-time players have had in the Premiership Women's Rugby and Celtic Challenge. The nine uncapped players in the squad are props Stella Orrin and Elan Jones, number eight Jorja Aiono, centres Savannah Picton-Powell and Kelsie Webster, wings Nikita Prothero and Seren Singleton, forward Kendall Waudby, and centre Jenna De Vera.

"This is a new-look Wales squad, and we made it clear at the start of the season we would select players who were playing regular club rugby in the PWR and the Celtic Challenge," said Sean Lynn, head coach. "We have named 25 players who have Celtic Challenge rugby under their belts, and we have really been impressed by the young Welsh talent now coming through our pathway and playing regularly."

Alisha Joyce, formerly Butchers, returned to the squad after missing last year's Six Nations and World Cup due to pregnancy. Alisha Joyce made her comeback off the bench for Brython Thunder 123 days after giving birth to her and her wife Jasmine Joyce's son Ralphie.

"This is the start of a new four-year World Cup cycle, it is a fresh start, and we need to look to the future and that means giving players an opportunity to taste Test match rugby," he said. "We have a good blend of experienced internationals and new faces, and selection was driven by those who have demonstrated an appetite to learn and a desire to work hard."

Nel Metcalfe will be absent from the tournament due to injury, while Kerin Lake and Robyn Wilkins have retired from international rugby. Abbie Fleming was omitted from the squad after struggling for game-time with Harlequins this season. Jenny Hesketh, Gwennan Hopkins, Hannah Bluck, Catherine Richards, Meg Davies, and Abbey Constable were not selected.

"Alisha Joyce returns and has impressed us all with the work and determination she has shown to get back playing rugby. Butch is an experienced international and knows what is expected and to see her play 123 days after having her son Ralphie is a real inspiration to everyone," he said.

Wales will open their 2026 Women's Six Nations campaign at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 11 April against Scotland. Scotland were Wales' opening opponents in last year's Six Nations and World Cup. Wales suffered their first whitewash in their history in last year's Six Nations.