The Sean Lynn era of Welsh women’s rugby has become a little clearer in recent weeks, as the head coach has named new co-captains in Alex Callender and Kate Williams.

Callender and Williams – both flankers – are two of the most important Wales players in recent years. The former was Wales’ stand-out performer in 2024, and while she missed much of the 2025 season through injury, Williams took her domestic form into the international arena, putting in the best individual performances of a difficult 2025 Six Nations.

Callender, 24, has captained the Scarlets and Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge and was Wales vice-captain for 2025 Women’s Six Nations campaign, behind Hannah Jones who she is replacing.

The flanker made her Wales debut against France in the 2019 campaign and was voted the Welsh Rugby Writers Player of Season in 2024.

Callender signed for Harlequins ahead of last season’s Professional Women’s Rugby, putting in a string of excellent performances as Harlequins made the semi-final stage.

“Playing for Wales has always been an honour and to be asked to lead the squad by Lynny is a real privilege,” Callender said.

“Everybody knows my late mam, Donna, who passed away in 2023, would be so proud to see me lead my country. She has always been my why and I know she is looking down on me and how proud she would be with this news.

“We have had a tough pre-season, and we have all put the work in and we are excited to see where we are and measure ourselves against the Wallaroos as we prepare for the World Cup.”

Swansea-born Williams was raised in New Zealand and played for Auckland Blues in Super Rugby before committing to Wales and winning her first cap against Ireland in 2023.

The backrower moved to New Zealand with her family as a youngster before earning a WRU contract and was part of the Gloucester/Hartpury side to lift the PWR title last season.

Williams, 25, crashed over for the vital try in Wales’ first historic 31-24 victory over the Wallaroos at Rodney Parade in 2024.

“Wales has always been a big part of my life, and it was a dream just to play for Wales,” Williams added.

“To say being asked to be a co-captain of Wales is a proud moment for my family would be an understatement.”

Lynn praised both for their different, complimentary qualities.

“We have made no secret of our determination to grow the leadership in the squad and appointing two captains demonstrates that and both Al Cal and Kate have impressed with those leadership qualities,” he explained.

“They lead by example on the pitch and in training and have embraced all the changes we have introduced. Al Cal brings a real energy and excitement to the squad, while Kate brings a selflessness and a quiet calm authority to everything she does.

“Both of them represent our Wales family philosophy, are an inspiration to the future family and Kate, in particular, is a great example of the lost Welsh family of players who we know are around the world who want to play for Wales.”

Wales travel to Australia to face the Wallaroos in two test matches in July and August, before embarking on their Rugby World Cup campaign in the autumn.

Face with a challenging group containing Canada, Scotland, and Fiji, improvement from the difficult first games of the Lynn era is a must.

With new co-captains to lead the team on the pitch, he has made his first major step in stamping his mark on the squad.

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