No shirt safe as Wales boss Lynn hints at changes

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No shirt safe as Wales boss Lynn hints at changes

Sean Lynn holding two WXV rugby ballsImage source, Getty Images
ByCeri Coleman-Phillips

BBC Sport Wales
  • Published

Wales head coach Sean Lynn says no shirt is safe after hinting at starting changes for Wales’ second WXV Test against Japan on Saturday.

His side ran out 17-0 winners in Tokyo last weekend but lacked what Lynn called “ball toughness”.

It was ultimately the bench, which boasted seasoned campaigners such as Gwenllian Pyrs, Bethan Lewis, Gwen Crabb, Lleucu George and Georgia Evans, which saw Wales over the line.

“When players take opportunities, we’ve got to reward that,” said Lynn.

“I want us to have a competitive squad and we’ve got 30 players here who are really champing at the bit.

“The big message is you don’t own the jersey. Nobody will own this jersey.”

Lynn will announce his team at 08:00 GMT on Thursday.

Japan v Wales

WXV Global Series

Saturday, 31 October at 07:00 (GMT)

Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Saitama Prefecture

Live on iplayer and BBC Sport website & app.

Audio commentary on Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra & BBC Radio Cymru.

Saturday’s game will be Wales’ final outing of 2026 and they have the chance to end their WXV campaign with three wins from four, having previously beaten South Africa and Japan.

“It’s huge for us, everybody in the environment wants to be winning,” said Lynn.

“It’s about backing it up Saturday to Saturday, backing it up in training and everything we’re doing. Tuesday and Wednesday have been really good training days for us.

“If we can get this result on Saturday and go three from four, it will be a really successful tournament for us.”

Lynn also recognises that a victory would give his side confidence and momentum going into the 2027 Women’s Six Nations.

Wales have not won a game in the championship since beating Italy in the final round of 2024’s edition and open their next campaign at home to England.

But the summer’s transformation, which was kickstarted by a friendly victory over Barbarians, has seen Wales slowly climb their way back up the world rankings, where they currently sit 11th.

“Yeah, I definitely do,” Lynn said when asked if he thought Wales were back on other nations’ radar.

“If we’re only within two points against a side like USA, who have gone five wins, I think sides should be looking at Wales. But we can only control what we’ve got and that’s us looking after ourselves.”

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