logo
New Wales boss Lynn names extended Six Nations training squad

New Wales boss Lynn names extended Six Nations training squad

BBC News03-03-2025
New head coach Sean Lynn has named a 48-player training squad ahead of Wales' 2025 Six Nations campaign.The Gloucester-Hartpury head coach was named as Ioan Cunningham's successor in January and has named an extended training squad around the 15 Welsh internationals who featured in the Women's Premier Rugby semi-finals.Lynn's Gloucester-Hartpury take on Saracens in the final on 16 March at StoneX Stadium - with the Swansea-born head coach then taking charge of Wales permanently for the Six Nations.Keira Bevan and Alex Callender have been appointed as vice-captains to support captain Hannah Jones.The squad also includes a number of players from the Celtic Challenge's two Welsh sides, Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder."It's exciting to get to name a first Wales training squad and one full of experienced international players, playing well for their clubs and young exciting players who have shone in the Celtic Challenge," said Lynn."To have so many Welsh internationals feature in the PWR semi-finals is a testimony to the players quality and to their performances with their clubs."As coaches we have selected players who have really impressed and put their hands up playing for Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge."
The impressive form of Gwalia - who have won five of their seven games and sit third in the league table - has ensured players including Bryonie King, Gwennan Hopkins, Alaw Pyrs, Maisie Davies and Sian Jones feature under Lynn.Thunder's Natalia John, Hannah Bluck, Lucy Isaac and Cadi-Lois Davies are also included.Isla McMullen, Seren Lockwood, Shanelle Williams and Jorja Aiono will join the senior squad from the Under-18s set-up as players of national interest."My rugby philosophy has always been about finding, nurturing and supporting young players and giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential," added Lynn."We have selected a group of young Welsh players from age-grade rugby so the coaches and staff can assess where they are but also so they can experience an international environment and the standards expected at this level."The Celtic Challenge players and the age-grade players are the future Wales family and have been identified because we believe they have talent to make an impact at the highest level now or in the future."Wales begin their Six Nations campaign in Scotland on 22 March before hosting England in Cardiff a week later.Lynn's side then travel to France on 12 April before welcoming Ireland to Wales eight days later.Wales conclude their campaign with a trip to Italy on 26 April.
Wales' 48-player extended 2025 Six Nations training squad
Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Abbey Constable, Stella Orin, Allie Watkins, Meg Lewis, Kelsey Jones, Carys Phillips, Rosie Carr, Molly Reardon, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Cadi-Lois Davies, Abbie Fleming, Robyn Davies, Georgia Evans, Natalia John, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Lily Terry, Alex Callender, Alisha Butchers, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Gwennan Hopkins, Lucy Isaac, Bryonie KingBacks: Keira Bevan, Sian Jones, Meg Davies, Ffion Lewis, Seren Singleton, Lleucu George, Kayleigh Powell, Robyn Wilkins, Courtney Keight, Hannah Jones (capt), Carys Cox, Kerin Lake, Hannah Bluck, Meg Webb, Savannah Picton-Powell, Nel Metcalfe, Catherine Richards, Lisa Neumann, Jasmine Joyce, Jenny Hesketh, Niamh Terry
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Japan v Wales: latest score and updates from second Test in Kobe
Japan v Wales: latest score and updates from second Test in Kobe

Telegraph

time3 hours ago

  • Telegraph

Japan v Wales: latest score and updates from second Test in Kobe

What more can be said about Wales? Despite its sense of finality, it's a question that has already been asked a dozen times since their 21-24 defeat to Italy in the 2024 Six Nations marked a winless tournament. In a streak of lows, last week's 24-19 defeat to Eddie Jones' Japan is surely the lowest, despite strong competition from this year's 68-14 pummelling by England, defeats to Italy, Fiji, and let's not forget the 29-17 World Cup quarter final defeat to Argentina that kicked off this miserable run. There's absolutely no question that defeat today would mark a new lowest point, given it would take Wales to 19 consecutive defeats, bypassing France's longest losing streak for a top-tier nation set between 1911 and 1920. Defeat would also hand Japan a first ever series win vs a top-tier nation, and first ever back-to-back wins against one. As you'd imagine, Eddie Jones will ignore the fact his side are currently ranked 12 th, two places above Wales' all-time low of 14, in the World Rugby rankings in breaking that record. 'Japan have never beaten a top-tier team back-to-back', said Jones in a surprisingly quiet week of media. 'So we have a chance to create some history. But the more important thing is that we know we can play better. We see this as a massive opportunity for us.' Last week's two-match series opener in Kitakyushu was one Wales 'dared not lose', but alas, the losing streak was extended to 18 matches against a Japan squad featuring eight debutants. Two of those didn't get onto the pitch, including the replacement hooker Hayate Era and loosehead Sena Kimura despite the sweltering conditions, but Japan were still able to record a first win against tier one opposition since their 28-21 win over Scotland in their home 2019 World Cup. The double-edged sword of this losing run coinciding with a Lions year is that they have a near-full strength squad to pick from to break the duck, warranting extra scrutiny on players should they lose. As such, interim head coach has taken to the chopping board in naming his XV, giving fly half Dan Edwards a first test start in place of Sam Costelow, as well as potential debuts off the bench for the Dragons' tighthead Chris Coleman, and Ospreys duo Reuben Morgan-Williams and Keelan Giles. The attempts to refresh are perhaps to give others the time to process last week's defeat: 'They are desperate, desperate to do well for everybody back home', said Sherratt this week. 'But the fine line is when you are so desperate and want to win so much, you can be over emotive. It's going to be a balance over heart and brain. There's not a team that wants to win more than this group, so let's hope we get the balance right between quality and desperation [today]. 'I learned from the Six Nations – I met Andy Farrell after the Scotland game, and he asked what we'd done that week, and he said 'sometimes when players have had an emotional run, they need time to grieve' which made complete sense to me. Grieving takes time. So we gave them two days off, left them alone for two days because I'll be honest, it was a tough changing room after.'

Exhibition celebrates Carmarthenshire women in sport
Exhibition celebrates Carmarthenshire women in sport

South Wales Guardian

time3 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Exhibition celebrates Carmarthenshire women in sport

Smashing Boundaries: Celebrating Carmarthenshire's Women in Sports opened at Parc Howard Museum back on International Women's Day, March 8, and will run until October 19. The display honours the contributions of female athletes from across Carmarthenshire—many of whom have not previously received wide recognition, organisers say. Councillor Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "Smashing Boundaries gives long-overdue recognition to the achievements of women in Carmarthenshire's sporting history. "It's vital that we continue to uncover and share these stories, so they become a visible part of our collective heritage. "Projects like this are crucial for promoting equality in sport and encouraging young people, particularly girls, to see what's possible." Developed by CofGâr with funding from the Sporting Heritage Network, the exhibition was inspired by research from volunteer Hannah Jones, whose family history helped shape the project. CofGâr worked with local sports clubs, colleges, and Actif Sport and Leisure to gather stories and highlight the growing opportunities in women's sport. A team of young curators from across Carmarthenshire helped shape the exhibition, taking part in workshops on interviewing and filmmaking and gaining hands-on experience in research and exhibition development. The curators interviewed sportswomen from around the county and helped create the exhibition displays and written materials. On show are donated and loaned items such as jerseys, medals, and trophies, each accompanied by personal stories and interpretation. The exhibition features athletes from the past—including Margaret Jennings and Molly Phillips—as well as more recent figures like Lisa Pudner and Lynne Thomas. Up-and-coming talents are also represented, including Maygan Fox, a rising star in jujitsu. One of the latest additions is a Welsh football jersey worn by Llandeilo-born Ffion Morgan during the Euro 2025 qualifiers. Ms Morgan is currently representing Wales in the championships in Switzerland. Following its run at Parc Howard Museum, Smashing Boundaries is expected to tour other venues across the county. The exhibition aims to inspire the next generation of athletes by making these stories a visible part of Carmarthenshire's sporting heritage.

Prolific Ammanford AFC striker leaves ahead of new season
Prolific Ammanford AFC striker leaves ahead of new season

South Wales Guardian

time3 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Prolific Ammanford AFC striker leaves ahead of new season

Lewis Reed, who scored more than 50 goals in 77 appearances for Ammanford AFC, has decided to leave the club ahead of the 2025-26 JD Cymru South campaign. The club described his departure as a major blow. In a statement, Ammanford AFC said: "After coming to the club, Lewis was an instant success and scored over 50 goals in 77 outings across a two-year span. "Highlights of his time in black and white included a pair of hat-tricks against Cwmbran Celtic, a sumptuous free-kick against local rivals Llanelli, and bagging over 20 goals in consecutive seasons. "He leaves us with the best wishes of everyone associated with the club and thank him for his incredible contribution to the football club during his time here. "We look forward to welcoming you to the Recreation Ground soon." Mr Reed, who previously played for Ipswich Town and established himself in the Welsh leagues with Llanelli Town, Port Talbot Town, and Pontardawe Town, said he found the decision to leave extremely difficult. Mr Reed said: "No words can really explain what Ammanford has meant to me since I joined two years ago. "I've made some unbelievable memories and friendships that I will always cherish. "I've found it difficult recently, so after plenty of consideration, discussions with my family, and sleepless nights, I've made the incredibly difficult decision to move on. "To all the players and coaches that I've played with and worked with, I'd like to say a huge thank you for everything you've done for me. "To all those who do unnoticed work and make Ammanford the wonderful football club it is, I'm extremely grateful. "Finally, and most importantly, I'd like to say thanks to the fans. "You've made me and my family feel loved from day one. "I hope you've always felt that I gave everything for the club and the badge. "I have no idea what the future holds, but I know for certain that Ammanford will always have a special place in my heart."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store