‘Are we the finished product? No’: Wales reflect on their WXV Global Series campaign

Four wins in 2026, a new team identity and a growing sense of belief – Wales are starting to see the rewards of their rebuild and this is just the beginning.

After nine Tests without a victory, Sean Lynn’s side headed into their WXV Global Series opener against South Africa with plenty to prove. Facing a Springboks side ranked three places higher in the world, a tough 80 minutes was expected but it’s safe to say what followed was a statement of intent.

An eight-try 50-19 demolition of the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park set the tone for a memorable run, with Wales then backing it up with two further Test victories in Japan over the past couple of weeks.

Only a narrow 26-24 defeat to the world’s sixth-ranked side the USA Women’s Eagles prevented a perfect series, but there is definitely plenty for Wales to celebrate as they conclude their WXV Global Series campaign on a high.

Much of that progress has come from a clear vision, hard work and a willingness to give youth its chance and let the experience players continue to step up and adapt.

Head coach Sean Lynn has not shied away from making big selection calls and has backed emerging talent, with the first glimpse of his new-look side coming in a 34-17 victory over the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium back in June.

Lynn has capped 12 new players during his 18 months in charge, with brilliant young talents in the likes of Freya Bell, Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe, and Amy Williams all now putting their hands up for starting jerseys.

For Wales co-captain Kate Williams, the foundations of something exciting are beginning to fall into place.

“With this preseason we’ve had, we’ve identified the things we’ve needed to work on and we’ve been really, really specific on the way we’ve wanted to play and the way that we, as a Wales squad with the players that we have, can exploit other teams but also play in a way that’s exciting and is the Wales way.

“We’ve established a DNA and I’m really, really proud of all the hard work – the physical and the mental – that not just the players have put in but the staff.

“When it comes to the on-pitch stuff, it’s so competitive in the team that it’s showing on the pitch as well against other teams.”

That competitive spirit is exactly what Lynn has wanted to see and with places up for grabs and younger players pushing established names, the standards within the squad are rising.

He echoed what Williams had explained and added, “It [Wales’ progress] comes down to hard work from players and staff.

“The senior players are now having that competitive element of they know their jersey is not theirs. With the youngsters coming in, there is a competitive edge in this squad.

“We’ve went after four or five things in these last 12 weeks, and you can start to see that evidence on the pitch.

“Are we the finished product? No, we’re not, but we are seeing the bigger picture of that roadmap to 2029 [Women’s Rugby World Cup], and the players now need to go back to the PWR and the Celtic Challenge because we’re still looking to move that dial.

“I can’t fault the effort of players and staff. It’s been a really intense 11 weeks and for us to come away and win two Test matches is an amazing achievement from all players and staff.

“A huge pat on the back to everyone,” he concluded.

So whilst there is still work to do, and both Williams and Lynn are under no illusions about that, four victories in 2026, 12 new caps under Lynn’s leadership and a squad increasingly competing for every jersey are encouraging signs of a rebuild moving in the right direction.

The foundations are being laid, the identity is taking shape and Welsh belief is growing.

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