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Wales and Scotland name squads for Women’s Rugby World Cup opener
Wales and Scotland have confirmed their lineups for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool B opener at Salford Community Stadium on Saturday at 2.45pm with both nations boosted by the return of key players.
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Wales head coach Sean Lynn has named Alex Callender and Kate Williams as co-captains in a side that mixes experience and energy. Wing Lisa Neumann will win her 50th cap, having debuted against Scotland in 2018. Neumann, one of the first 12 Welsh players awarded professional contracts in 2022, forms part of a back three alongside Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and Nel Metcalfe.
Callender, who had been an injury doubt, has been passed fit to lead from No. 8. She joins Williams and flanker Bethan Lewis in a competitive back row. Up front, Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, and Donna Rose form the front row, with Gwen Crabb and Alaw Pyrs packing down behind them.
Lynn said his squad has prepared well and is ready for the challenge of facing their Celtic rivals.
“We have selected the strongest squad available for what is a vital Test match for the squad, and we know all 23 players will play a part in delivering a performance against Scotland,” Lynn said. “Alex Callender has been declared fit and is raring to go and being able to select her is a huge boost for the squad. Having the combined captaincy of Al Cal and Kate Williams will be key for us against the Scots.
“We are under no illusions of the importance of the opening game of our Pool at a World Cup and are determined to produce a performance worthy of the tournament and against a side who we enjoy a great rivalry with. All of the squad have trained well since we have been in Manchester, and we are looking sharp and focussed for what will be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“I have asked the players how they want Wales to be remembered at this tournament and what it means to them to be here? Players, coaches and staff know what a privilege it is to be here and to represent Wales at the Rugby World Cup.”
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Scotland head coach Bryan Easson welcomed the return of experienced hooker Lana Skeldon, who has recovered from the ankle injury she sustained in their final warm-up match against Ireland. Skeldon, the most capped player in Scotland’s squad, will line up between props Leah Bartlett and Elliann Clarke.
Sarah Bonar returns to the second row to partner Emma Wassell, while captain Rachel Malcolm is joined in the back row by Rachel McLachlan and debutant No. 8 Evie Gallagher. Scrum-half Leia Brebner-Holden is also set for her World Cup debut and will combine with fly-half Helen Nelson.
The midfield sees Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr paired together again, with Chloe Rollie at full-back alongside wings Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie. Easson has opted for a six-two forwards-to-backs split on the bench, with experienced players Jade Konkel and Molly Wright among the replacements.
With Canada favoured to top Pool B, both sides view Saturday’s encounter as critical in the battle for a quarterfinal berth.
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Wales Line-Up
1. Gwenllian Pyrs
2. Kelsey Jones
3. Donna Rose
4. Alaw Pyrs
5. Gwen Crabb
6. Kate Williams (co-captain)
7. Bethan Lewis
8. Alex Callender (co-captain)
9. Keira Bevan
10. Lleucu George
11. Jasmine Joyce-Butchers
12. Courtney Keight
13. Hannah Dallavalle
14. Lisa Neumann
15. Nel Metcalfe
Replacements
16. Carys Phillips
17. Maisie Davies
18. Sisilia Tuipulotu
19. Abbie Fleming
20. Georgia Evans
21. Seren Lockwood
22. Kayleigh Powell
23. Carys Cox
Scotland Line-Up
1. Leah Bartlett
2. Lana Skeldon
3. Elliann Clarke
4. Emma Wassell
5. Sarah Bonar
6. Rachel Malcolm (captain)
7. Rachel McLachlan
8. Evie Gallagher
9. Leia Brebner-Holden
10. Helen Nelson
11. Francesca McGhie
12. Lisa Thomson
13. Emma Orr
14. Rhona Lloyd
15. Chloe Rollie
Replacements
16. Elis Martin
17. Molly Wright
18. Lisa Cockburn
19. Jade Konkel
20. Eva Donaldson
21. Alex Stewart
22. Caity Mattinson
23. Beth Blacklock
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