Wales will be without co-captain Alex Callender and full-back Nel Metcalfe for the entire campaign after both sustained injuries while on club duty.
Callender is sidelined with an ankle problem, while Metcalfe is recovering from a knee issue, with both expected to be out for around three months.
Their absence is a significant setback given their importance to the squad.
Callender, a key figure in the back row, previously co-led the side during last summer’s tour of Australia and the 2025 Rugby World Cup, while Metcalfe had been one of Wales’ standout performers in recent seasons, impressing both internationally and in the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition.
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However, Lynn has made it clear he sees the situation as more than just a blow.
"This is disappointing injury news for the squad and for both Al Cal and Nel ahead of the Six Nations, but they will have the best medical and rehab care to get them back playing,” said Lynn.
"Al Cal has been a real leader for the squad and Nel has been one of the form players for Wales and her club in the PWR.
"This does mean there is an opportunity for players to step up and stake a claim for a place in the Wales squad for the Women's Six Nations.
"We have seen players really put their hands up for selection during the Celtic Challenge and the PWR."
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With Callender unavailable, Lynn has turned to Kate Williams to lead the side., although the squad has yet to be announced.
The Swansea-born flanker, who shared captaincy duties with Callender last year, will now take sole charge for the championship.
Lynn has no doubts about her suitability for the role, underlining her influence within the group.
"Kate Williams has the respect of the whole squad, and her leadership skills means she will be Wales captain for this Six Nations campaign."
Williams’ appointment continues her rapid rise in international rugby, having only made her Test debut in 2023.
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Her leadership will be vital as Wales attempt to bounce back from a poor run, having finished bottom of the table in each of the last two championships.
The injuries to Callender and Metcalfe also come at a difficult moment for the squad, with preparations already under way for their opening fixture against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on April 11.
Callender, 25, had only recently returned to action with Harlequins Women after recovering from a previous ankle issue that required surgery following Wales’ early exit from the World Cup.
It is understood this latest setback is a new injury rather than a recurrence.
Metcalfe, meanwhile, had been one of the few bright spots during that World Cup campaign and her absence removes a key attacking threat from the backfield.
