Nel Metcalfe returns to Wales squad for Japan WXV Tests

Nel Metcalfe has been included in Wales' 30-player squad for two WXV Tests in Japan after recovering from the knee injury that kept her out of the 2026 Women's Six Nations. BBC Sport reported that head coach Sean Lynn selected the 21-year-old Gloucester-Hartpury full-back for a touring party led by co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams.

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Metcalfe had been part of Lynn's extended training group for Wales' recent matches against South Africa and the United States but was not selected in either matchday squad. Her recovery also included an appearance against the Barbarians in an uncapped Wales match in June. The Japan selection brings her back into contention for a Test appearance.

The squad includes two uncapped props, Stella Orrin of Brython Thunder and Crystal James of Ealing Trailfinders. Three players who made their Wales debuts in September have also been selected: wing Amy Williams, prop Elan Jones and hooker Shanelle Williams. All three play for Brython Thunder and will travel alongside Orrin in the 30-player group.

There is no place for Jaz Joyce or Alisha Joyce, while wing Seren Singleton is also absent despite featuring in the victory over South Africa. Callender, who plays for Harlequins, and Gloucester-Hartpury's Kate Williams retain the shared leadership role. Both co-captains are flankers, and the travelling squad comprises 17 forwards and 13 backs.

Lynn described selection as difficult following the two recent Tests. Wales scored eight tries against South Africa in a victory that ended a run of nine consecutive Test defeats, before losing by two points to the United States. The coach said the players' disappointment with that narrow defeat against the sixth-ranked Americans reflected the change in mentality he wanted, while acknowledging that the team still had considerable progress to make.

Wales will play Japan at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday, 24 October, with kick-off scheduled for 10:30 BST. The second Test takes place seven days later at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Saitama Prefecture, starting at 07:00 GMT. The two fixtures follow the South Africa and United States matches in Wales' WXV programme.