Carys Cox Boost for Wales Ahead of WXV Clash with USA in Cardiff

Carys Cox has returned to Wales’ starting side for their WXV Global Series clash with the USA Women’s Eagles on Saturday.

It will be the 27-year-old’s first appearance since she started in Trailfinders Women’s Premiership Women’s Rugby final loss against Saracens. Injury meant that Cox missed Wales’ 50-19 win against the Springbok Women last Friday night. She joins Amy Williams and Lisa Neumann to add to an already potent back three.

Head coach, Sean Lynn, has not changed the pack for the visit of the USA, who stunned Ireland with a second half comeback on Sunday to register a 40-36 win in Dublin.

Lock forward Georgia Evans will start in the engine room on the occasion of her 50th Test match for Wales. She partners Branwen Metcalfe.

Alex Callender and Kate Williams continue to co-captain the team from the back-row. Bryonie King is named at No. 8.

It is in the backs where they have been some adjustments. After she started at fly-half last week, Keira Bevan is moved back to her familiar scrum-half slot. Lleucu George is named as the starting playmaker.

Seren Lockwood is ruled out of selection due to HIA protocols but will travel with the team for WXV Global Series fixtures in Japan.

Courtney Keight and Freya Bell continue their burgeoning midfield partnership.

Sean Lynn, Wales Head coach, said: “We produced a performance against South Africa that demonstrated that we have moved the dial and all the hard work we put in during pre-season was there for all to see.

“We know we have to back that performance up against a fit, fast and athletic USA Eagles side which will turn up full of confidence after their win against Ireland in Dublin.

“USA are ranked six in the world rankings and five places above us, but we are excited by the challenge and want to build on the win against South Africa.

“The Welsh public saw the style of play we are committed to building, and we play for them and want to make them proud. To have their noisy support and backing at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday can only inspire this Wales squad.

“Georgia Evans will win her 50th cap for her country and deserves the accolade, ‘G’ produced a trademark performance last time out and her work rate and commitment to her nation is an inspiration to all of us.

“We welcome Carys Cox back after her return from injury and Coxy knows she has to perform with competition for places being part of the DNA we are building in the squad.”

2026 WXV Global Series | Wales matchday squad v USA

15 Lisa Neumann (Leicester Tigers)
14 Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders)
13 Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks)
12 Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning)
11 Amy Williams (Brython Thunder)
10 Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury)
9 Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears)
1 Masie Davies (Exeter Chiefs)
2 Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks)
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins)
4 Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder)
5 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
6 Kate Williams (Gloucester Hartpury co-captain)
7 Alex Callender (Harlequins co-captain)
8 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning)

Replacements
16 Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning)
17 Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks)
18 Elan Jones (Brython Thunder)
19 Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder)
20 Jorja Aiono (Gloucester Hartpury)
21 Sian Jones (Gloucester Hartpury)
22 Jenna De Vera (Brython Thunder)
23 Nikita Prothero (Gwalia Lightning)