‘A really exciting group’: Nel Metcalfe ready for Wales return after long injury lay-off

Nel 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 included in Sean Lynn’s squad ahead of WXV Global Series fixtures against Japan this October, and is set to earn her first cap since Wales’ exit from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Having watched from the sidelines as Wales finished at the foot of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations earlier this year, Metcalfe has been impressed as her international teammates started WXV Global Series with a rip-roaring 50-19 win against South Africa. A week later, the USA Women’s Eagles came to Cardiff and won 26-24.

Even with mixed results, there is a refreshed outlook surrounding Wales and anticipation about what the future could have in store.

“The intensity that we bring to training now, compared to the last time I was properly involved, is so much better,” Metcalfe said.

“Having Ash [Beck] and Steve [Salvin] full-time has made a massive difference, and I think you can see that in the way we’re playing as well. The girls were brilliant in those first two games – the intent, the want to play and move the ball was really exciting to see. It’s a really exciting group to be coming back into.”

Metcalfe has not been seen on the pitch for Wales so far at WXV Global Series. The 21-year-old has just recovered from the knee injury that contributed to her missing the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

The full-back has not played Test rugby since Wales’ 28-25 loss to Fiji at the end of their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign. After months of rehabilitation, the 21-year-old is ready to make up for lost time.

“I’m feeling 100% fit now,” Metcalfe said. “I feel so much better and stronger, and it’s just been really nice to be back in full training and on the same schedule as everyone else.

“It’s been a long recovery, especially doing the same injury back to back, so it’s taken a bit more time than I would have liked. But I’m in a much better place now and I’m just really excited to be back out there.”

Wales finish their WXV Global Series with a two-match tour of Japan. Fixtures in Tokyo and Kumagaya City will give Wales an opportunity to end their autumn on a high note before waiting six months for the 2027 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Japan have played two WXV Global Series fixtures in Europe. This included a 55-21 loss to Italy and a 31-24 defeat at the hands of Ireland in Galway.

A week later, the Sakura Fifteen played Ireland again in an out-of-window fixture in Cork. Scott Bemand’s side were 43-19 winners at Virgin Media Park, in what was Ireland’s most comprehensive victory of the autumn.

“We’re just super excited to go out there,” Metcalfe said. “Japan move the ball really well, they’ve got really good skills and they’ve got that want to play as well, so I think we’ll want to match that.

“Our physicality has been really good in those first two games, so we’ll definitely want to impose that on them as well.

“Just to be back on the pitch would be great. I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself, just to enjoy being back out there.”