Head coach Sean Lynn has named the Wales side to face Scotland in the Pool B opener of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Salford Community Stadium, Manchester, on Saturday, August 23 (KO: 2:45 pm).
Backrowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams will co-captain Wales against the Scots.
Wing Lisa Neumann will win her 50th cap for her country and has seen the women’s game move from being amateur to professional.
Neumann made her Wales debut against Scotland in 2018 and was one of the 12 ‘Originals’ offered professional contracts by the WRU in 2022.
She started her career at Haverfordwest RFC and combined work and rugby when she first played for Wales.
Neumann will be joined by Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and full back Nel Metcalfe in an exciting Wales back three.
Centre Hannah Dallavalle will partner Courtney Keight in the midfield, while fly half Lleucu George and scrum half Keira Bevan are at half-back.
Props Gwenllian Pyrs and Donna Rose are part of an experienced front row with hooker Kelsey Jones.
Locks Gwen Crabb and Alaw Pyrs are in the Wales engine room, while flanker Bethan Lewis joins co-captains Williams and Callender in the backrow.
Sean Lynn, Wales Head coach, said: “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.
“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.”
WALES TEAM v Scotland: Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester/Hartpury), Lisa Neumann (Harlequins), Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester/Hartpury), Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks), Jasmine Joyce-Butchers (Bristol Bears), Lleucu George (Gloucester Hartpury), Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears); Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks), Kelsey Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury), Donna Rose (Saracens), Alaw Pyrs (Gloucester/Hartpury), Gwen Crabb (Gloucester/Hartpury), Kate Williams (co-captain, Gloucester/Hartpury), Bethan Lewis (Gloucester/Hartpury), Alex Callender (co-captain, Gloucester/Hartpury)
Replacements: Carys Phillips (Harlequins), Maisie Davies (Bristol Bears), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester/Hartpury), Abbie Fleming (Harlequins), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Seren Lockwood (Gloucester/Hartpury), Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins), Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders)
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