Wales women's rugby team finished the WXV Global Series with three wins from four matches, marking a significant turnaround under head coach Sean Lynn. The side recorded an eight-try victory over South Africa in Cardiff and two Test wins in Japan, with only a narrow two-point loss to a top-six ranked USA team preventing a clean sweep. The results represent a dramatic improvement from a nine-Test losing streak and an all-time low world ranking of 13th just twelve months ago.
Lynn acknowledged the progress while emphasizing the team remains a work in progress. "Twelve months ago we didn't win a game in the World Cup. We've worked so hard as a group of players and staff and we've come into this WXV with three out of four wins," he said. "Are we the finished product? No we're not, but we're seeing the bigger picture of that roadmap to the 2029 World Cup." The coach highlighted areas for improvement and noted players must return to their domestic competitions in the Premiership Women's Rugby and Celtic Challenge to continue development.
The transformation has been built on a stable coaching structure established during a brutal pre-season. Assistant coaches Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin were made permanent, defence coach Tyrone Holmes has grown in influence, and strength and conditioning specialist Gareth Harris was added. Co-captain Kate Williams praised the establishment of a team DNA and the competitive environment within the squad. Lynn has capped 12 new players during his 18-month tenure, uncovering talents such as Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe, Freya Bell, and Amy Williams, who impressed with her bravery and ability to beat defenders.
Uncertainty remains at half-back, where Lynn has experimented with several combinations. Kayleigh Powell started at fly-half alongside Lockwood against the Barbarians but missed the WXV campaign due to a hamstring injury. Keira Bevan, usually a scrum-half, played at 10 against South Africa and improved the attack, though a head injury to Lockwood limited that partnership to 30 minutes. Lleucu George started at fly-half against USA and in the second Japan Test, with Wales reverting to a kicking-based game. Continuity in these pivotal positions is hoped for during the 2027 Six Nations.
With the historic women's British and Irish Lions tour approaching in 2025, several Wales players have strengthened their cases. Co-captain Alex Callender has been described as colossal since returning from injury, leading with tackles and turnovers. Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu has scored four tries this autumn and is Wales' most potent ball carrier. Bevan has shown versatility across both half-back roles, while Lockwood's maturity, breakdown threat, and try-scoring instinct make her a potential bolter.
Wales have not won a Six Nations match since defeating Italy in the final round of the 2024 championship. The 2027 tournament opens against reigning champions England at the Principality Stadium, a fixture Lynn describes as huge for players and staff. Reflecting on the year, Callender said: "It's always a privilege to be able to wear the jersey and I'm just so proud of the girls. It's been a roller coaster, but it's all part of the sport isn't it?"
