Wales Head coach Sean Lynn has named the side to face South Africa in the opening game of the Vodafone Wales WXV Series at Cardiff Arms Park, on Friday, September 18th (KO:7.15pm, UK time).
Flankers Alex Callender and Kate Williams will co-captain the side in the first of four Test matches in the Vodafone Wales WXV Series, broadcast live on BBC One Wales.
Wing Amy Williams, who scored two tries in the win over an experienced Barbarians side in an uncapped international at Twickenham, wins her first cap and is one of three new caps in the matchday squad.
Hooker Shanelle Williams and prop Elan Jones look set to make their debuts off the bench against Springboks Women.
All three played for Wales WU21s and play for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge.
Williams will be the 10th Wales new cap under Head coach Lynn since he took charge in 2025.
Number 8 Bryonie King, who was Player of the Match against the BaaBaas, joins Callender and Williams in the Wales backrow.
Locks Branwen Metcalfe and Georgia Evans are in the Wales engine room and pack down behind a front row of prop Maisie Davies, hooker Kelsey Jones and prop Sisilia Tuipulotu.
Scrum half Seren Lockwood and fly half Keira Bevan are at half- back, with Bevan starting at 10 for her country for the first time.
Centre Courtney Keight partners Freya Bell, who makes her first full start for Wales, in the Welsh midfield. Bell has been handed the kicking duties for the Test match against South Africa.
Williams is joined by the returning Seren Singleton on the wing, with the experienced Lisa Neumann selected at full back.
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.”
Wales team (v SA)
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
Club Nola
The first ever international match took place in 1844.
Bang Shift
Sport Trivia: Who won the Comrades marathon in 1981? Answer: Bruce Fordyce – The Comrades marathon is widely recognised as the world\’s greatest ultra-marathon. Bruce Fordyce dominated this event in the eighties, winning in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990. Sam Tshabalala won in 1989, becoming the first black winner of the Comrades. Fordyce didn\’t race that year.