Lynn has paid a glowing tribute to the debutants after naming his team for Wales’ opening clash of the Women’s Six Nations against Scotland this weekend.
The pair are set to earn their first international caps when Wales kick off their campaign at the Principality Stadium on Saturday (4:40pm), with Lynn highlighting their impact as a key reason behind their selection.
“It’s a real privilege to name two new caps Jorja Aiono and Seren Singleton in this Wales side; they both fully deserve this opportunity and have impressed in the Celtic Challenge and in camp,” said Lynn.
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Aiono, named in the second row, has caught the eye with her performances for Brython Thunder, helping the side reach the Celtic Challenge semi-finals earlier this year.
Singleton, meanwhile, takes her place on the wing after establishing herself as a consistent performer for the same regional set-up over the past three seasons.
Lynn was quick to underline the qualities that convinced him both players are ready for the step up to Test rugby - and to boost a team that failed to win a match in last year's tournament.
“Jorja has a real physicality and edge to her game that we need and Seren’s work ethic and willingness to put her body on the line for the cause are the attributes we are looking for.”
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Their inclusion is part of a broader refresh within the Wales squad, as the new head coach begins to shape his side ahead of a demanding Six Nations campaign.
“This is a fresh start for Wales and is the first step for this new group of players, coaches and staff, and we had plenty of debate around the selection of this team,” Lynn explained.
“We have focussed on what we need to do and building the identity of this Wales team. We are all aware of the privilege and responsibility we have of representing Wales in the Guinness Six Nations.”
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Wales will be led by flanker Kate Williams, who captains the side from the back row alongside Bethan Lewis and Bryonie King.
In the pack, Aiono is partnered by experienced lock Gwen Crabb, with the front row comprising Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu.
Behind the scrum, Wales field a blend of experience and emerging talent. Keira Bevan starts at scrum-half, linking up with fly-half Lleucu George. The midfield pairing sees Courtney Keight and Carys Cox combine, while Singleton joins Lisa Neumann and Kayleigh Powell in the back three.
Notably, 10 members of the starting XV have featured for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge, underlining the importance of that pathway in developing international-ready players.
For Lynn, however, the focus extends beyond selection as he looks to embed a new identity within the squad.
“The players know we are representing the nation, our families and ourselves and this is an opportunity to show who we are and what it means to wear the red jersey.”
Wales begin their campaign against a Scotland side expected to provide a stern opening test, but the head coach insists his team’s priorities lie closer to home.
“We know Scotland will pose a major challenge, but this is all about us and implementing the new processes and showing the grit and determination we have seen in camp.”
Wales team (v Scotland)
15 Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins) 28caps, 10pts
14 Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder) Uncapped
13 Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders) 23 caps, 25pts
12 Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks/Brython Thunder) 28caps
11 Lisa Neumann (Harlequins/Brython Thunder) 51caps, 35pts
10 Lleucu George (Gloucester/Hartpury) 35caps, 15pts
9 Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears) 78 caps, 143pts
1 Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks) 51caps, 30pts
2 Kelsey Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury) 52caps, 20pts
3 Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester/Hartpury/ Brython Thunder) 30caps, 35pts
4 Jorja Aiono (Brython Thunder) Uncapped
5 Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder) 39caps, 15pts
6 Bethan Lewis (Gloucester/Hartpury) 61caps, 30pts
7 Kate Williams (captain, Gloucester/Hartpury/ Brython Thunder) 24caps, 20pts
8 Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning) 12caps
Replacements:
16 Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning) 12caps, 10pts
17 Maisie Davies (Gwalia Lightning/Bristol Bears) 12caps
18 Donna Rose (Saracens) 37caps, 10pts
19 Alaw Pyrs (Gwalia Lightning/Gloucester/ Hartpury) 10caps
20 Georgia Evans (Saracens) 43caps, 10pts
21 Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder) 1cap
22 Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder/ Gloucester/Hartpury) 4caps
23 Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester/Hartpury) 69caps, 25pts
