Williams and Callender named Wales co-captains

Alex Callender and Kate Williams have been named co-captains for Wales' two-Test series against Australia and at this year's Rugby World Cup.

Callender - who was vice-captain for the 2025 Six Nations - has previously captained Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge and Scarlets.

Her fellow flanker Williams was part of the Gloucester-Hartpury side who claimed the Premiership Women's Rugby title last season.

The new appointments come after head coach Sean Lynn announced centre Hannah Jones would no longer captain her country.

On the appointment of Callender and Williams as co-captains, Lynn said: "We have made no secret of our determination to grow the leadership in the squad and appointing two captains demonstrates that. Both Al Cal (Callender) and Kate have impressed with those leadership qualities.

"They lead by example on the pitch and in training and have embraced all the changes we have introduced. Al Cal brings a real energy and excitement to the squad, while Kate brings a selflessness and a quiet calm authority to everything she does.

"Both of them represent our Wales family philosophy, are an inspiration to the future family and Kate, in particular, is a great example of the lost Welsh family of players who we know are around the world who want to play for Wales."

Wales face the Wallaroos at the Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, 26 July (05:00 BST) before facing the same opposition at the North Sydney Oval on Friday, 1 August (10:00 BST).

Callender, 24, said: "Playing for Wales has always been an honour and to be asked to lead the squad by Lynny (Lynn) is a real privilege.

"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.

"We have had a tough pre-season. We have all put the work in and we are excited to see where we are and measure ourselves against the Wallaroos as we prepare for the World Cup."

Wales start their World Cup campaign against Scotland at the Salford Community Stadium on Saturday, 23 August (14:45 BST).

They take on Canada at the same venue a week later (12:00 BST) before rounding off their Pool B schedule against Fiji at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday, 6 September (14:45 BST).

"Wales has always been a big part of my life, and it was a dream just to play for Wales," said Williams, who was born in Swansea but grew up in New Zealand.

"To say being asked to be a co-captain of Wales is a proud moment for my family would be an understatement."