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Wales are still searching for a first win of the 2026 Six Nations
Wales have named their team to face Ireland in Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations clash in Belfast.
Flanker Bethan Lewis will captain the side, with Sean Lynn making three changes to the team that were beaten by England in Bristol in the previous round. Wales recorded their highest score against England in the last round, coming away with a bonus point.
However, they still remain winless in this year’s tournament.
Carys Cox returns at centre, with Courtney Keight reverting to the 12 jersey.
Hannah Dallavalle is named on the wing, while Branwen Metcalfe shifts to the second-row – partnering Georgia Evans, who makes her first start of the campaign.
Jorja Aiono is selected on the blindside flank, joining captain Lewis and Bryonie King in the back-row.
The front-row of Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu start their fourth consecutive game of the tournament.
On the bench, wing Nikita Prothero is in line to make her debut – which would make her the fifth new cap of Wales’ Six Nations.
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Second-row Natalia John is in line for her 50th cap off the bench. Fellow lock Gwen Crabb misses out after picking up a knee injury in training.
“We are excited to resume the Six Nations and build on the grit and resilience we showed against England to score two tries towards the end of that Test match,” said Lynn.
“We took another real step forward in building our playing style and team identity and we know we have to do the same against Ireland in their own backyard.
“This is a new-look Wales squad and it’s all about sticking to our principles and process and focussing on what we want to do and expect from ourselves in the Test arena.
“Every game in this tournament has seen us build another layer of the team we aspire to be and we expect to come away from Ireland having done the same.
“Ireland are an ambitious side and will be hurting after their run of results in the tournament and we know they will be looking to make a statement in Belfast on Saturday.”
Wales Women: Kayleigh Powell; Hannah Dallavalle, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Branwen Metcalfe, Georgia Evans, Jorja Aiono, Bethan Lewis, Bryonie King.
Replacements: Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Alisha Joyce, Seren Lockwood, Freya Bell, Nikita Prothero.
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