Joyce eyeing new Wales role after 'shock' Six Nations call-up

Alisha Joyce has confessed she was “shocked” to receive a Wales call-up from Sean Lynn for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Last month the 28-year-old back-row forward made her return to the pitch just 123 days after she gave birth to her son, Ralphie.

She missed the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup because of her pregnancy, but could be seen on the sidelines supporting her wife and teammate, Jasmine Joyce.

Now Joyce is one of the senior players in Wales squad for this year’s Women’s Six Nations, which starts from a visit from Scotland to the Principality Stadium on Saturday 11 April.

“I was shocked, to be honest,” Joyce told The Guardian. “I think I can offer a lot to the squad especially in terms of experience. We have nine new caps.

“It’s a slightly different role for me, being one of the older members of the squad now, which is crazy. Hopefully [I can] set an example of what being in a professional environment is like having been here for so long now.”

Joyce is the first player to have used the Welsh Rugby Union’s new performance maternity programme. The 28-year-old confessed that her Bristol Bears teammate Abbie Ward was an inspiration in her decision to have a child.

Ward, who is currently expecting her second child, was the first player to use the Rugby Football Union’s landmark maternity policy when she welcomed daughter, Hallie.

Since last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, England Red Roses internationals Zoe Stratford and Lark Atkin-Davies have announced that they are pregnant.

Aiming for game time in a Wales shirt this Spring, Joyce also has her sights set on gaining selection for the first ever British & Irish Lions Women’s squad in 2027.

“Being around Abbie I think definitely showed me that I haven’t [had to sacrifice her career],” Joyce said. “Before I would have been like: ‘I am not ready to put my career on hold’.

“The older you get, the motherly instincts start to kick in and you’re thinking: ‘I know I am ready for a baby but what do I do? Do I do it now, do I wait? Do I miss the World Cup or the potential Lions selection? When is the right time?’

“We went through IVF so it’s not a mistake, you have to plan and prepare and it is all very meticulous. That has probably been one of the best decisions we have made is just to go for it. Being back in the game now with Ralphie here is crazy, I cannot believe it has happened, to be honest with you.

“We have got so many young girls now, how cool is it that they get to see that as well? You can be a mum. Hopefully I can get back to the top of my game and show them that as well.”