Photo via BBC Sport

Bevan to play at fly-half in Wales' WXV opener

Experienced international Keira Bevan will transition to fly-half for Wales' upcoming WXV opener against South Africa on Friday, 18 September at Cardiff Arms Park. The 29-year-old, who earned all 83 of her previous caps at scrum-half, partners Seren Lockwood in an altered half-back combination while regular playmaker Lleucu George drops to the bench and Kayleigh Powell misses out due to a hamstring problem.

Head coach Sean Lynn has introduced fresh faces to the lineup, selecting uncapped Amy Williams on the wing following a two-try display against the Barbarians, with fellow uncapped forwards Elan Jones and Shanelle Williams named among the replacements.

Co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams return from recent injuries to unite in the back row alongside Bryonie King, while Maisie Davies starts at loose-head prop over Gwenllian Pyrs alongside Kelsey Jones and Sisilia Tuipulotu. In the backfield, Lisa Neumann shifts to full-back alongside wing Seren Singleton, while Courtney Keight and Freya Bell form the midfield due to Carys Cox being unavailable.

The matchday squad also notably excludes three-time Olympian Jasmine Joyce as well as former team captains Bethan Lewis and Hannah Dallavalle.