Carys Cox will make her return to Wales’ starting XV this weekend as head coach Sean Lynn makes three changes for the trip to Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations.
After heavy defeats earlier in the campaign, Wales head to Belfast searching for signs of progress as much as points. But Lynn’s latest selection suggests the side is beginning to settle into a clearer identity.
Cox’s return from injury strengthens the midfield immediately. The centre has missed valuable game time during the tournament.
Cox’s inclusion allows Courtney Keight to shift back inside, giving Wales a more balanced and natural midfield combination.
Further Experience Returns
There is another welcome boost in the backline with Hannah Dallavalle named on the wing alongside the experienced Jasmine Joyce and Kayleigh Powell.
Dallavalle missed the defeat to England after withdrawing late, and her return adds another attacking outlet for a side that showed more intent with ball in hand during the closing stages against the Red Roses.
That late rally in Bristol mattered. Wales still conceded 62 points, but the two late tries hinted at a team beginning to buy into Lynn’s approach rather than simply trying to survive matches.
Pack Distrubtion
The biggest disruption comes in the forwards after Gwen Crabb suffered a knee injury in training.
Branwen Metcalfe steps into the second row alongside Georgia Evans, while Jorja Aiono moves to blindside flanker in another opportunity for one of Wales’ emerging younger players.
Elsewhere, Lynn has resisted the urge for wholesale changes. The front row of Gwenllian Pyrs, Sisilia Tuipulotu and Kelsey Jones remains intact for a fourth straight game, while Keira Bevan and Lleucu George continue as the half-back pairing.
That continuity feels deliberate. Lynn has repeatedly spoken about building a long-term identity rather than chasing quick fixes, and Wales’ selections throughout this championship have reflected that.
There is also a chance for another new face to emerge from the bench. Nikita Prothero could make her Test debut after impressing for Sale Sharks Women and Gwalia Lightning. Her inclusion continues Wales’ willingness to expose younger talent during a transitional campaign.
Ireland, meanwhile, arrive under pressure themselves after a difficult run of results. This form should give Wales a genuine belief that this fixture is more competitive than the table may suggest.
Lynn insisted his side had taken “another real step forward” against England despite the scoreline. While results still matter, Wales are now looking for evidence that their rebuild is moving somewhere tangible.
Saturday offers another test of that progress.
Wales match day squad v Ireland
15 Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins)
14 Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester-Hartpury)
13 Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders)
12 Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks/Brython Thunder)
11 Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears/Brython Thunder)
10 Lleucu George (Gloucester-Hartpury)
9 Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears)
1 Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks)
2 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester-Hartpury/Brython Thunder)
4 Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder)
5 Georgia Evans (Saracens)
6 Jorja Aiono (Brython Thunder)
7 Bethan Lewis (Captain, Gloucester Hartpury/ Gwalia Lightning)
8 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning) 15 caps
Replacements
16 Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning)
17 Maisie Davies (Gwalia Lightning/Bristol Bears)
18 Donna Rose (Saracens)
19 Natalia John (Brython Thunder)
20 Alisha Joyce (Brython Thunder/Bristol Bears)
21 Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder)
22 Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning)
23 Nikita Prothero (Gwalia Lightning/ Sale Sharks)*
