Wales hit by latest injury setback ahead of WXV opener

Kayleigh Powell has been ruled out of Wales’ WXV Global Series campaign in the latest injury blow for Sean Lynn’s side.

The Harlequins back has sustained a hamstring injury that will see her miss Test matches against South Africa, USA Women’s Eagles and Japan in September and October.

Last week it was confirmed by the Welsh Rugby Union that Donna Rose, Kelsie Webster and Hanna Tudor had all been ruled out of action for the next two months.

27-year-old Powell started in all five of Wales’ 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations fixtures at full-back and scored one try as the team picked up a third wooden spoon in a row.

To date, Powell has won 33 caps for Wales and has represented her country at two Women’s Rugby World Cups. She also represented Team GB in rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Coming into this Friday’s clash with the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park, Wales have not experienced victory since July 2025. Their last victory came against Australia in a warm-up fixture for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

The Springbok Women enter WXV Global Series having played five Test matches since July. This included a series draw with the USA on home soil, a tour whitewash of the Fijiana and a loss to the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium.

Wales announce their match day squad to take on South Africa on Wednesday 16 September. It will be Wales’ first Test match since their 43-24 loss to Italy in Round 5 of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations.

In June, an uncapped Wales team registered a 34-17 win against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium.

Wales WXV Global Series 2026 fixtures

• Friday 18 September, Wales v South Africa, 19:15 (GMT+1)
• Saturday 26 September, Wales v USA, 15:00 (GMT+1)
• Friday 23 October, Japan v Wales, 16:00 (GMT+1)
• Saturday 31 October, Japan v Wales, 07:00 (GMT+0)