New head coach aims to rebuild the family after wooden spoon finish last year
WALES begin their 2025 Women’s Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday March 22, with kick-off at 16:45.
After a disappointing 2024, where they finished bottom of the table with just five points, Wales are hoping for a fresh start under new head coach, Sean Lynn.
“Let’s have a crack at Scotland, ball in hand, play a territorial game,” said Lynn.
Ioan Cunningham stood down as head coach in November after a poor year, only managing one narrow win over Italy in last years’ Six Nations.
Now, Sean Lynn, who led Gloucester-Hartpury to three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles, has stepped in to rebuild the squad, and has come with a line-up of both experienced and new players.
“We have selected a side full of experienced Welsh internationals who have hit real form for their clubs and have a mix of the exciting young talent who have impressed in the Celtic challenge,” said Lynn.
New young talent
Fresh off the back of her third successive PWR title with Lynn, Captain Hannah Jones will lead the side out in Edinburgh.
She will be joined in the centre by GB Olympian Kayleigh Powell, while vice-captain Keira Bevan, and Lleucu George resume their half-back partnership.
New faces emerge in the forward squad after their stellar performances in the Celtic challenge, Props Maisie Davies, 19, and Jenni Scoble, and lock Alaw Pyrs, 19, have been handed their first full starts in a red jersey tomorrow.
But Wales face a major loss from main ball-carrier prop, Sisilia Tuipulotu, who is out with a hamstring injury, and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
Also on the bench is Gwenllian Pyrs, who has just recovered from shoulder surgery, and will be looking to join her younger sister Alaw on the pitch.
Hooker Kelsey Jones is also in replacements after a serious knee injury last year.
‘We can’t face another wooden spoon’
Some rugby fans can’t bear the thought of another loss, after the men’s Six Nations campaign ended in another Wooden Spoon disappointment last week.
“They will definitely try their best, England and France are strong, but we’d want them to finish mid-table, we can’t face another wooden spoon,” said John Williams, manager of Rugby Shop Wales.
“We know test matches with Scotland have been traditionally close and tight affairs, but we are looking forward to the challenge,” said Lynn.
England are up for the top performers, with the Red Roses looking to make it their seventh consecutive title. They play Wales on March 29, at the Principality stadium.
Excitement is already building for Wales’s home clash against England. More than 10,000 tickets have been sold, breaking the record home attendance for the team.
“The family is back together, and the players, coaches and staff have all worked hard to create the right environment for everyone to flourish,” said Lynn.
With a Rugby World Cup on the horizon in August, Wales might have a chance to rebuild under Lynn’s leadership.
Wales Squad to face Scotland:
- Maisie Davies
- Carys Phillips
- Jenni Scoble
- Abbie Fleming
- Alaw Pyrs
- Kate Williams
- Georgia Evans
- Bethan Lewis
- Keira Bevan
- Lleucu George
- Kayleigh Powell
- Hannah Jones (C)
- Carys Cox
- Jasmine Joyce
- Lisa Neumann
Replacements:
- Kelsey Jones
- Gwenllian Pyrs
- Donna Rose
- Gwen Crabb
- Bryonie King
- Meg Davies
- Courtney Keight
- Nel Metcalfe
Wales’s Fixtures:
- Saturday, March 22- vs Scotland (A)
- Saturday, March 29- vs England (H)
- Saturday, April 12- vs France (A)
- Saturday, April 20- vs Ireland (A)
- Saturday, April 26- vs Italy (A)
