Wales women's rugby team head coach Sean Lynn admits his side is far from the finished product but says he has been hugely encouraged by their performances in the WXV Global Series.
Wales finished the tournament with three wins from four matches, including an eight-try victory over South Africa in Cardiff and two Test wins in Japan. Only a narrow two-point defeat by the United States, a team ranked in the world's top six, prevented a clean sweep.
Transformation from losing streak
The results mark a significant transformation for a side that had been on a nine-Test losing streak and slumped to an all-time low world ranking of 13th. "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," Lynn 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."
New talent and stability
Lynn has capped 12 new players during his 18 months in charge, unearthing talents such as Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe, Freya Bell and Amy Williams. The coaching setup has been stabilised with the permanent appointments of assistant coaches Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin, defence coach Tyrone Holmes and strength and conditioning specialist Gareth Harris.
Co-captain Kate Williams praised the team's competitive environment: "We've established a DNA and I'm really proud of all the hard work - physical and mental - that not just the players have put in, but also the staff. It's competitive within the team and that's showing on the pitch as well against other teams."
Half-back partnership search
Lynn continues to experiment with half-back combinations. Kayleigh Powell impressed 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 fly-half against South Africa, while Lleucu George started at fly-half against the USA and in the second Japan Test. Continuity in these pivotal positions is hoped for during the 2027 Six Nations.
British and Irish Lions contenders
With the historic women's British and Irish Lions tour next year, several Wales players have put themselves in contention. Co-captain Alex Callender has been colossal since returning from injury, prop Sisilia Tuipulotu is back to her best with four tries this autumn, and Bevan has shown versatility across both half-back positions. Scrum-half Seren Lockwood, 20, has also been highlighted for her international maturity and breakdown threat.
Six Nations outlook
Wales have not won a Six Nations match since edging Italy in the final round of the 2024 championship. They open the 2027 edition against reigning champions England at the Principality Stadium. "We've got the Red Roses coming to the Principality, it's huge for players and staff," Lynn said. The team will return to domestic leagues with confidence, aiming to build on their recent upturn.
