Wales head coach Sean Lynn has said that he will be “taking the pain” after his side had to settle for a second Six Nations Wooden Spoon.

Sunday saw Wales consign themselves to a ninth successive defeat, including all five during this year’s campaign, with a 24-43 loss to Italy at the Cardiff Arms Park.

Lynn has only overseen one win as Wales boss in his first 15 matches – an away victory over Australia last summer.

“I always wanted it to be moving faster and I am taking the pain but I am definitely excited about what the future holds,” said the Wales coach.

“I definitely feel that the gap is closing. I just feel that the consistency has to happen when at club level so it becomes a good habit in Test rugby.

“There are not any shortcuts and this pre-season is going to be huge for us.

“I knew that it was going to be a challenge and I am still very excited about where this group can go, because we want to work hard.”

Wales looked to be steadily improving throughout the campaign, despite defeats to Scotland, France, and England, but the drop-off in the second half of the final two matches against Ireland and Italy were alarming.

“The first three games we can be really proud of but we need to be better than the last two,” admitted captain Bethan Lewis.

“It’s completely within our control. It’s just making sure we work on it all when we are not in this environment, not just when we come in for seven or eight weeks. We have to be doing it consistently throughout the year.”

“It’s frustrating coming off after results like that when we know we have the ability to be better than that.

“There is progress across the board, everybody is progressing so we need to learn quicker.”

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.