Callender Returns for Wales Against Barbarians
Alex Callender, a highly-regarded back-row player, is set to return from injury for Wales in their uncapped match against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, 27 June. The 25-year-old missed the Women's Six Nations campaign due to injury but will feature in this fixture, which follows a men's international against the Barbarians in a double-header at the home of English rugby.
During the 2026 Women's Six Nations, Callender's role as Wales captain was assumed by fellow flanker Kate Williams.
Wales Squad and Coaching Focus
Head coach Sean Lynn has named a 33-strong training squad that includes 14 uncapped players. Of these, 24 members play for Wales-based teams Brython Thunder or Gwalia Lightning. Following a winless Six Nations campaign, Lynn is focusing on the future development of the team.
"It's 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," said Lynn.
"All the players have been told there is a real opportunity to play against an experienced Barbarians side and not to assume that they will or will not play.
"The door is open for selection, and this is a good opportunity for our younger players to taste what is expected at international level."
Player Availability and Assessments
Several players including Kelsey Jones, Bethan Lewis, Sian Jones, Lleucu George, Hannah Dallavalle, Nel Metcalfe, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Jorja Aiono, and Alaw Pyrs participated with Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final defeat by Ealing Trailfinders on Sunday. They have not been named in Wales' initial squad and will be assessed on Thursday.
Additionally, Saracens duo Georgia Evans and Donna Rose, along with Trailfinders back Carys Cox, will be involved in the Premiership Women's Rugby final on the same weekend as the Barbarians game and will therefore not be available for Wales.
Wales Squad v Barbarians
Backs: Keira Bevan, Seren Lockwood, Lily Hawkins, Kayleigh Powell, Hanna Marshall, Courtney Keight, Freya Bell, Kelsie Webster, Jenna De Vera, Hanna Tudor, Nikita Prothero, Jasmine Joyce, Amy Williams
Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Kath Baverstock, Crystal James, Shanelle Williams, Molly Reardon, Molly Wakely, Kendall Waudby, Elan Jones, Stella Orrin, Jenni Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Natalia John, Branwen Metcalfe, Chiara Pearce, Alex Callender, Bryonie King, Lucy Isaac, Alisha Joyce, Anwen Owen
