ALEX CALLENDER RETURNS TO WALES SQUAD FOR BARBARIANS MATCH

Wales have recalled back-row forward Alex Callender for a women's international against Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, 27 June. Callender missed Wales' Women's Six Nations campaign because of injury but is fit to feature in the uncapped fixture. The match forms part of a double-header alongside a men's international between the same sides. Head coach Sean Lynn has selected a 33-strong training squad that includes 14 uncapped players.

Twenty-four members of the squad represent Wales-based teams Brython Thunder or Gwalia Lightning. Lynn stated the fixture offers an opportunity to assess emerging talent from Wales' pathway, Celtic Challenge teams, Wales U21s and Wales U18s. Players have been informed selection is merit-based and not guaranteed. Several players involved in Gloucester-Hartpury's Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final defeat on Sunday will be assessed on Thursday before final squad confirmation.

Three players will not be available for Wales because they compete in the PWR final on the same weekend. Georgia Evans and Donna Rose of Saracens, and Carys Cox of Trailfinders, will miss the Barbarians fixture. The selection follows a winless Six Nations campaign for Wales, with Lynn emphasising focus on continuing to build the team's playing philosophy with younger players gaining international experience.