Alex Callender is back as Wales call on fresh faces to take on the Barbarians

Wales are bolstered by the return of highly regarded back-row Alex Callender from injury for their uncapped clash against the Barbarians at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, June 27.

The 25-year-old missed Wales’ Women’s Six Nations campaign through injury, but will return following the men’s international against the Barbarians in a double-header at home to English rugby.

Head coach Sean Lynn’s 33-strong training squad includes 14 uncapped players, while 24 members of the squad play for Wales-based sides Brighton Thunder or Goliath Lightning.

After Wales endured a winless Six Nations, Lynn looked to the future and emphasized that focus.

“This is a real opportunity to continue to build our philosophy of the game and to see the exciting young talent now coming through our paths and through the Celtic Challenge teams, Wales U21s and Wales U18s,” Lynn said.

“All the players have been told they have a real chance of playing against an experienced Barbarian side and don’t assume they will or won’t play.

“The door is open for selection, and it’s a good opportunity for our young players to get a taste of what to expect at the international level.”

Kelsey Jones, Bethan Lewis, Cian Jones, Leuku George, Hannah Dalavale, Nell Metcalfe, Cecilia Twipulotu, Jorja Iono and Alao Pires were all involved with Gloucester-Hartpury. Ealing lost to Trailfinders in the Premiership Women’s Rugby semi-final on Sunday.

They have not been named in Wales’ initial squad and will be assessed on Thursday.

Saracens duo Georgia Evans and Donna Rose, and Trailfinder back Carys Cox, will be involved in the PWR final on the same weekend as the Barbarians game so will not be involved for Wales.