Surprise Kolisi visit inspires Wales to victory

Wales captain Hannah Jones with South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi

Wales were inspired to victory over Japan after a surprise visit from South Africa's World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi.

The Springbok great dropped into Wales' team room just hours before their final WXV2 outing in Cape Town, where they beat Japan 19-10 to avoid relegation.

Wales prop Sisila Tuipulotu had sent Kolisi an invitation on social media and true to reputation, he accepted.

“You guys are the generation that are probably going to change things for women’s rugby,” he told the players.

“Just believe in yourself and know that you are good enough. You are enough to be in this space.

“You know you’ve worked to be here, you don’t have to feel shy about it, own the space”.

Those inspirational words seemed to rub off as Wales scored three tries on their way to victory in their final international of 2024.

Siya Kolisi has shown his support for women's rugby with numerous WXV2 appearances in South Africa

Wales captain Hannah Jones had nothing but praise for Kolisi.

“She [Tuipulotu] sent him a message on Instagram, he was travelling to some coaching and unfortunately couldn’t make it to the game, but he made the effort to come and see us in our team room and he spoke very highly of us and the women’s game," Jones said.

“He said a bit about his background, how he grew up and to always be humble, always enjoy what you’re doing and work hard, which was definitely something for us to take away.

“He is such an inspiration and it’s great to meet him and have those words just before the game.”

Jones’ sentiments were echoed by head coach Ioan Cunningham.

“He’s got an auro about him hasn’t he?" he said, after a disappointing campaign that had seen losses to Australia and Italy before a much-needed win over Japan.

“He commands the room and he spoke extremely well and spoke about the players being worthy... which I thought was excellent from him.”