Women's Rugby World Cup squad retains injured captain Callender in Wales lineup
Wales Announces Squad for Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
The Wales women's rugby squad for the upcoming World Cup has been revealed, featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising young talent. Head coach Sean Lynn has selected a 32-player squad, including co-captain Alex Callender, who is expected to be fit for the opener against Scotland on August 23, 2025.
Callender, who shares the captaincy duties with Kate Williams, had initially raised concerns with an injury during the final warm-up match against Australia. However, her fitness status has been confirmed as sufficient for selection, much to the relief of the Welsh fans.
The Welsh team will face a challenging pool at the World Cup, consisting of Canada (the second-ranked team in the world), Fiji, and Ioan Cunningham as their coach. The tournament promises to be a tough test for the Welsh squad, particularly after a Women's Six Nations where they lost all five matches.
The backs selected for the World Cup include Keira Bevan, Meg Davies, Seren Lockwood, Lleucu George, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox, Hannah Dallavalle, Kerin Lake, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce, Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, and Catherine Richards. Notably, Lake and Metcalfe were part of the team that recorded a first Test match victory for Wales against the Wallaroos in Australia last month, a desperately needed success for the Welsh side.
In the forwards department, Katherine Baverstock, Maisie Davies, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Kelsey Jones, Carys Phillips, Molly Reardon, Alex Callender (co-capt), Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis, Alaw Pyrs, Tilly Vucaj, Kate Williams (co-capt), and Branwen Metcalfe have been selected.
Metcalfe, an uncapped Wales Under-20 captain, is set to make her World Cup debut, adding youthful enthusiasm to the experienced squad. The fitness of Callender for the World Cup opener against Scotland on August 23 is yet to be confirmed, but her inclusion in the squad is a positive sign for the Welsh team.
Sean Lynn, the Wales coach, expressed his delight at the squad, stating, "I am thrilled to announce the 32 players who have earned the privilege and honor to represent Wales at the Women's Rugby World Cup. We have a fantastic blend of youth and experience, and I am confident that we can make the nation proud."
The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be an exciting event, with Wales ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. The Welsh team will undoubtedly be aiming to make a mark on the global stage and bring home the coveted trophy.
During the announcement of the Wales women's rugby squad for the World Cup, it was revealed that the team will also include players who are passionate about football. Lleucu George, a member of the squad, showcases her love for sports, playing both rugby and the occasional game of football with her teammates. Meanwhile, Branwen Metcalfe, an uncapped player set to make her World Cup debut, is preparing to bring her energy and versatility from the football pitch to the rugby field as well.
