Wales head coach Sean Lynn has confirmed his 23-player squad for Saturday’s opening Women’s Rugby World Cup clash against Scotland in Manchester, with co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams set to lead the side.

The match at Salford Community Stadium marks the start of Wales’ Pool B campaign, and Lynn has opted for a settled core while rewarding several standout performers from the summer build-up. Lisa Neumann, one of the squad’s most seasoned campaigners, will win her 50th cap at full-back, forming a potent back three alongside Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and rising star Nel Metcalfe. Joyce-Butchers’ pace and Metcalfe’s growing reputation as a clinical finisher promise Wales plenty of attacking spark out wide.

In midfield, Hannah Dallavalle and Courtney Keight link up as the centre pairing, offering a blend of defensive organisation and creativity. Scrum-half Keira Bevan and fly-half Lleucu George are tasked with directing play at half-back, a combination that Lynn believes will provide the composure and kicking accuracy needed in a high-stakes opener.

Up front, Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Donna Rose form a powerful front row, with Alaw Pyrs and Gwen Crabb selected in the second row. Callender has recovered from the injury scare that threatened her availability and takes her place at number eight, joined in the back row by Williams and Bethan Lewis. The co-captains’ presence alongside Lewis is expected to give Wales the physical edge and leadership required against a Scottish pack that has grown in confidence over recent seasons.

Lynn has also turned to experience on the bench, with hooker Carys Phillips, appearing at her fourth World Cup, offering front-row cover alongside Maisie Davies and Sisilia Tuipulotu. Abbie Fleming and Georgia Evans provide lock and back-row reinforcement, while Seren Lockwood adds dynamism as a loose forward option. The backs are supported by Kayleigh Powell, who offers versatility across the back three, and Carys Cox, ready to slot into midfield if required.

Announcing the selection, Lynn said his squad represents “the strongest group available” and praised the players for the sharpness they have shown in training. “Alex Callender is raring to go, and all 23 players will have a role to play in delivering a performance against Scotland,” he added.

The fixture carries added weight as a Celtic derby and a potential early decider in Pool B. With Neumann reaching a milestone, Callender and Williams leading from the front, and younger talents like Metcalfe breaking through, Wales will take the field on Saturday with a squad designed to balance reliability with ambition.

Teams

Wales

Nel Metcalfe; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Dallavalle, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).

Replacements

Carys Phillips, Maisie Davies, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox.

Scotland

Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon,Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher.

Replacements

Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock.

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