Wales' Next Generation Gaining Exposure to Test Rugby
Anwen Owen, Freya Bell, and Lily Hawkins have participated in the Celtic Challenge representing Gwalia Lightning.
Following a Six Nations campaign affected by injuries to key players, Wales is exploring emerging talent this summer.
Sean Lynn's squad is scheduled to play the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday at 17:00 BST, following the men's match in a double-header event.
This fixture offers Wales an opportunity to begin preparations for the WXV Global Series, while the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) play-offs also encourage management to evaluate younger players.
Although experienced players are expected to feature against the Barbarians, promising prospects have been included for valuable exposure at the Vale Resort.
"The door is open for selection, and this is a good opportunity for our younger players to taste what is expected at international level," said head coach Sean Lynn upon announcing his 33-player squad.
Holmes Sees Progress as Wales Focuses on Future Talent
James has assumed the role of Wales scrum coach.
North will bid farewell in the Barbarians match against Wales.
Coach Lynn expressed disappointment over the absence of Alex Callender, Kate Williams, Gwen Crabb, Nel Metcalfe, and Lisa Neumann during the Six Nations, a period that saw Wales record 14 losses in 15 Tests.
With pressure increasing after three consecutive wooden spoons, Wales remains optimistic about the emerging talent that could improve fortunes during this World Cup cycle.
Players are striving for international recognition in a year culminating with September fixtures against South Africa and the USA in Cardiff, followed by two away Tests in Japan in October.
From Exams to Test Camp
Lily Hawkins made her first Gwalia Lightning start in February.
Earlier this month, Lily Hawkins completed A-level exams in biology and physical education before joining the national squad.
The Coleg Gwent student began the season aiming for a leadership role with Wales Under-18s and the possibility of training with Gwalia Lightning.
Instead, the 18-year-old scrum-half from New Tredegar scored a try on her Lightning debut and is now gaining experience alongside Wales' top players.
"It has been a bit of a hectic year," Hawkins said. "I have gone from college to PDC (Player Development Centre), to under-18s, to Gwalia, to under-21s, to seniors.
"I have loved it all and they have been great opportunities. Whatever comes, whether it is expected or not, I put 100% in."
Hawkins balanced her revision with rugby commitments and plans to continue her studies at Cardiff Met next year.
The teenage half-back, who identifies effort as her greatest asset, will compete with Keira Bevan and Seren Lockwood for selection ahead of the Barbarians game, gaining her first exposure to senior international standards.
"It's been intense and the level goes up," she said. "Quite a few youngsters have come into the environment.
"It's a great opportunity and test for us. Anything that comes now is just a bonus."
Freya Bell attracted the attention of Wales coach Sean Lynn while playing for Cardiff Met.
Wales showed promise in the second round of the Six Nations with a strong finish that earned a four-try bonus against Grand Slam winners England.
Bell earned her first cap during the 62-24 defeat in front of 26,247 spectators at Bristol's Ashton Gate, shortly after serving as vice-captain for Wales Under-21s against France at Cardiff Arms Park.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind and I've had a bit of a crazy year. To make my debut against England was an incredible experience," Bell said, who also appeared as a substitute in the Ireland match.
"I had been injured and was just hoping to be back for the Under-21s, so getting called up to the senior squad was amazing and I didn't expect it at all. I just want to play more now."
Injuries to Hannah Dallavalle and Carys Cox created an opportunity for Bell, who impressed Lynn while playing for Cardiff Met.
"He has told me to just play to my strengths, to be a confident ball player and carry hard," she said.
"I am quite a physical player who likes to tackle hard and carry hard."
After an unexpected chance in the Six Nations, Bell aims to continue progressing within the senior squad over the coming months.
Following Jac Morgan's Lead
Anwen Owen has played for Cwmtwrch and Nelson Belles.
While Hawkins and Bell have experienced rapid ascents, Anwen Owen's progress reflects persistence.
Previously a centre, the 24-year-old is now aspiring to emulate Jac Morgan by becoming an international flanker, representing Cwmtwrch RFC.
The Cardiff Met student earned her opportunity through performances with Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge.
"I started playing rugby when I was four and it's always been a dream to come into Wales squad and hopefully represent my country," Owen said.
"There have been a lot of tears – happy and sad – through highs and lows to get to this level. When here you just have to take it in your stride, grab the opportunity and enjoy the moment."
Owen benefits from the guidance of established back-row players Alex Callender and Alisha Joyce.
"It's been intense to come into the set-up, and to try and keep up that standard is a good kind of tough," she said.
"There are a lot of youngsters coming through and we have to try to make it harder for the coaches to pick the team."
