Big Sis is back and Wales Women’s head coach Sean Lynn could not be more relieved.
After months on the sidelines, powerhouse prop Sisilia Tuipulotu has made a welcome return to the Wales squad ahead of a challenging two-Test series against Australia.
“Having Sisilia back and raring to go is a real boost for all the squad, coaches and staff,” said Lynn, reflecting on her return to a squad that will now be co-captained by Alex Callender and Kate Williams.
Tuipulotu, who missed this year’s Six Nations following hamstring surgery, is back in a 30-player squad selected by Lynn to face the Wallaroos in Brisbane (26 July) and Sydney (1 August), as Wales builds towards the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
After becoming one of the most recognisable faces in the Wales squad, along with trailblazing wing Jasmine Joyce, Tuipulotu’s dynamic physicality and scrummaging power have been sorely missed.
Her crowd-pleasing presence is expected to lift both morale and performance as Wales seek to rebound from a dismal Six Nations campaign last season, where they lost every match to finish bottom.
Joining her in the squad are three new faces—scrum-half Seren Lockwood, prop Katherine Baverstock, and lock Tilly Vucaj—all graduates of the U18s and U20s pathway, and now on the brink of senior debuts.
“Seren, Katherine and Tilly really deserve their selection in the squad and have impressed us all with their rugby potential and attitude during pre-season,” added Lynn.
Leadership will come from co-captains Callender and Williams, who have taken over from former captain Hannah Jones, who remains part of the squad.
The dual appointment reflects Lynn’s focus on growing a wider leadership group.
“We have made no secret of our determination to grow the leadership in the squad and appointing two captains demonstrates that. Both Al Cal and Kate have impressed with those leadership qualities,” said Lynn.
“They lead by example on the pitch and in training and have embraced all the changes we have introduced.”
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Callender, 24, expressed deep personal pride in her new role.
“Playing for Wales has always been an honour and to be asked to lead the squad by Lynny is a real privilege,” she said.
“Everybody knows my late mam, Donna, who passed away in 2023, would be so proud to see me lead my country. She has always been my why and I know she is looking down on me and how proud she would be with this news.”
Williams, who was born in Swansea but raised in New Zealand, echoed that sentiment.
“Wales has always been a big part of my life, and it was a dream just to play for Wales. To say being asked to be a co-captain of Wales is a proud moment for my family would be an understatement.”
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Wales face a demanding schedule, with the Tests against the Wallaroos coming just three weeks before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Scotland in Salford on 23 August.
Fixtures against Canada and Fiji will follow, with the latter staged at Sandy Park in Exeter.
The challenge for Lynn is to rebuild a squad which, like their male counterparts, has become far too used to losing.
“All those selected have worked hard in pre-season and understand that we need to change and have an opportunity to show what they can do ahead of RWC 2025,” he added.
“There are still World Cup places to play for and having coached against Jo Yapp, the Wallaroos coach, before at club level, we know her team will be well prepared and provide us with two tough and physical Test matches.”
Injuries continue to impact the squad, with Natalia John, Kerin Lake, and Hannah Bluck all unavailable due to calf and shoulder issues.
But the return of a fit and focused Tuipulotu provides a timely lift as Wales attempt a breakthrough on foreign soil and momentum heading into a pivotal World Cup campaign.
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Wales squad:
Forwards:
Katherine Baverstock, Maisie Davies, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Kelsey Jones, Carys Phillips, Molly Reardon, Alex Callender (co-capt), Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Bryonie King, Bethan Lewis , Alaw Pyrs, Tilly Vucaj, Kate Williams (co-capt).
Backs:
Keira Bevan, Meg Davies, Seren Lockwood, Lleucu George, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox, Hannah Jones, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce, Nel Metcalfe, Lisa Neumann, Catherine Richards.
