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Wales make huge selection call for WXV opener against South Africa
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Wales make huge selection call for WXV opener against South Africa
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Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made a huge selection call for his team’s WXV Global Series opener against the Springbok Women.
Keira Bevan has been named to start at fly-half against South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park. The 29-year-old, who is more regularly seen at scrum-half, will line up at half-back alongside Seren Lockwood. It is the first time that Bevan has started at fly-half for her country.
Lleucu George, who is Wales’ regular fly-half, is named among the replacements, where there is a 6-2 split.
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There are three potential debutants in the squad. Amy Williams has been named to start on the wing, while hooker Shanelle Williams and tighthead prop Elan Jones are on the bench.
The team will be co-captained by back-row pair Alex Callender and Kate Williams.
Sean Lynn, Wales head coach, said: “The 23 players selected for our opening WXV clash against South Africa have been selected on how they performed during a tough pre-season.
“The whole squad really pushed each other, and we have moved the dial in terms of our physical and rugby preparation. This was a tough selection process and the competition in the squad across pre-season really drove this squad selection.
“All the players selected know it is a privilege to wear the red jersey and a chance to make themselves, their families and the nation proud.
“We know this will be a real test of where we are and all 23 players know the responsibility they carry when they represent Wales. We have selected a strong and experienced bench, knowing every player has a role to play under the Friday night lights in Cardiff.
“South Africa pride themselves on their physicality and we know we have to match them in that area, and we know what to expect. Keira Bevan will make her first start at fly half and has trained there during pre-season and has a wealth of experience in the Test match arena.
“Amy Williams really impressed in the win over the Barbarians and has worked hard throughout pre-season and fully deserves this opportunity and her first Wales cap.”
2026 WXV Global Series | Wales match day 23 v South Africa
15 Lisa Neumann (Leicester Tigers) 52 caps, 35 points
14 Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder) four caps
13 Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks) 33 caps, Five points
12 Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning) two caps
11 Amy Williams (Brython Thunder) uncapped
10 Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears) 83 caps, 162 points
9 Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder) nine caps, five points
1 Maisie Davies (Exeter Chiefs) 17 caps
2 Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks) 57 caps, 35 points
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins) 34 caps, 40 points
4 Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder) Six caps
5 Georgia Evans (Saracens) 48 caps, 15 points
6 Kate Williams (Gloucester Hartpury, co-captain) 26 caps, points 25
7 Alex Callender (Harlequins, co-captain) 47 caps, 45 points
8 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning) 17 caps
Replacements
16. Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder) uncapped
17. Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks) 56 caps, 20 points
18. Elan Jones (Brython Thunder) uncapped
19. Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder) 42 caps, 15 points
20. Jorja Aiono (Gloucester Hartpury) Five caps
21. Alisha Joyce (Brython Thunder) 57 caps, 35 points
22. Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury) 40 caps, 15 points
23. Jenna De Vera (Brython Thunder) two caps
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