Highly-regarded back-row Alex Callender is poised to make her return to the Wales squad for their uncapped encounter against the Barbarians. The 25-year-old, who missed Wales' Women's Six Nations campaign due to injury, is expected to feature in the match on Saturday, 27 June, held at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. This fixture forms part of a double-header, following a men's international also against the Barbarians at the home of English rugby.
Head coach Sean Lynn has unveiled a 33-strong training squad, notable for the inclusion of 14 uncapped players. This selection underscores Lynn's commitment to nurturing new talent, particularly following a challenging Six Nations campaign where Wales failed to secure a win. Lynn emphasised this forward-looking approach, stating it is "a real opportunity to continue to build our playing philosophy and to have a look at the exciting young talent now coming through our pathway and through the Celtic Challenge teams, Wales U21s and Wales U18s."
The squad's composition also highlights the growing strength of domestic rugby, with 24 members playing for Wales-based teams Brython Thunder or Gwalia Lightning. Lynn has made it clear to all players that "the door is open for selection," stressing that this match against an experienced Barbarians side offers a significant chance for younger players to experience international-level expectations.
However, several key players involved in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) semi-finals and final will be unavailable or are currently being assessed. Kelsey Jones, Bethan Lewis, Sian Jones, Lleucu George, Hannah Dallavalle, Nel Metcalfe, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Jorja Aiono, and Alaw Pyrs, all of whom played for Gloucester-Hartpury in their recent semi-final defeat to Ealing Trailfinders, were not named in the initial squad and are due for assessment on Thursday. Saracens duo Georgia Evans and Donna Rose, alongside Trailfinders back Carys Cox, will miss the Wales fixture as they are set to compete in the PWR final on the same weekend.
The Barbarians, known for their invitational nature, have already announced a strong line-up. Their confirmed players include former Wales hooker and captain Carys Phillips, alongside high-profile international stars such as New Zealand's Ruby Tui, promising a challenging contest for the Welsh squad.