Alex Callender ready to hit Wales milestone as Sean Lynn makes pair of changes for Japan

Wales co-captain Alex Callender will make her 50th Test appearance this weekend as Sean Lynn’s side resume their WXV Global Series campaign against Japan.

The head coach described the flanker as his team’s “emotional heartbeat” ahead of facing the Sakura Fifteen at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.

“Alex Callender will win her 50th Wales cap and we all know – players, coaches and staff – what this will mean to her and her family,” Lynn said.

“Al Cal is the emotional heartbeat of this squad and is hugely respected across the rugby world. Her resilience and passion for her country are an inspiration to us all.”

Lynn has also been able to include Nel Metcalfe on the wing. The Gloucester Hartpury back will make her first international appearance since Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Metcalfe’s inclusion sees Carys Cox move to outside centre, where she will partner Freya Bell. Courtney Keight is named among the replacements.

Elsewhere, Seren Lockwood returns at scrum-half after missing the defeat to the USA Women’s Eagles following a failed head injury assessment. Her inclusion means Keira Bevan starts at fly-half, the position she started at against the Springbok Women last month.

Lynn has named a largely unchanged starting pack. The only alteration sees Jorja Aiono named at lock alongside Branwen Metcalfe, while Georgia Evans is included among the replacements.

“We have made some changes to reward players who have pushed hard in training, and we also need to give players the opportunity to build strength in depth in the squad,” Lynn said.

“Japan will pose a very different threat to the sides we have faced previously in this WXV campaign, with their ability to play fast and wide.

“They will pose us different challenges, and we will have to find different answers. It will be a real test of our game management. It’s good to welcome Nel Metcalfe and Seren Lockwood back into the fold after injury, and we are excited to see them go against Japan.”

Wales matchday 23 v Japan | WXV Global Series 2026

15. Lisa Neumann (Leicester Tigers, 54 caps)
14. Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester Hartpury, 16 caps)
13. Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders, 27 caps)
12. Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning, 4 caps)
11. Amy Williams (Brython Thunder, 2 caps)
10. Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears, 85 caps)
9. Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder, 10 caps)
1.Maisie Davies (Exeter Chiefs, 19 caps)
2. Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks, 59 caps)
3. Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins, 38 caps)
4. Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder, 8 caps)
5. Jorja Aiono (Gloucester Hartpury, 7 caps)
6. Kate Williams (co-captain, Gloucester Hartpury, 28 caps)
7. Alex Callender (co-captain, Harlequins, 49 caps)
8. Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning, 19 caps)

Replacements
16. Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning, 18 caps)
17. Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
18. Elan Jones (Brython Thunder, 1 cap)
19. Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder, 44 caps)
20. Georgia Evans (Saracens, 50 caps)
21. Bethan Lewis (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)
22. Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury, 42 caps)
23. Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks, 35 caps)