Jones returns to captain Wales for WXV2 in South Africa

Hannah Jones has led Wales since the Rugby World Cup in 2022

Women's international friendly: Wales v Australia

Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport Date: Friday, 20 September Kick off: 19:00 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer, live text and match report on BBC Sport website & app

Hannah Jones returns to captain Wales for WXV2 in South Africa, which gets under way later this month.

Centre Jones was left out of Wales' recent defeat by Scotland along with a number of other senior players, with Keira Bevan leading the side.

But they are all back as part of Ioan Cunningham's 30-player squad which will take on Australia, Italy and Japan in Cape Town.

Second row Alaw Pyrs, prop Maisie Davies and hooker Rosie Carr are included after making their senior debuts in Edinburgh, while prop Jenni Scoble is in line to win her first Test cap.

Kayleigh Powell, who became an Olympian with GB Sevens in the summer, comes in at fly-half in place of Robyn Wilkins.

Pyrs is the younger sister of prop Gwenllian, and her inclusion means there is no place for fellow lock Gwen Crabb, who returned from long-term injury against Scotland earlier this month.

Hannah Bluck is preferred as a centre option to Megan Webb, who scored in the 40-14 defeat in Edinburgh.

Gwennan Hopkins, who made her first start in that game, also fails to make the cut, with Bryonie King able to cover both the back and second row.

Wings Lisa Neumann and Catherine Richards miss out through injury; Neumann is still recovering from a groin problem, while Richards suffered a foot injury against the Scots.

Demanding season

"We have rewarded players who have impressed in our recent training camp and have selected the squad with an eye on the World Cup," said Cunningham.

"As coaches and staff, we know we need to drive competition for places and build the strength-in-depth in the squad with England 2025 less than a year away.

"The likes of Alaw, Maisie and Rosie have impressed us all since they have been with us and deserve this opportunity to experience tournament rugby at the highest level.

"Jenni is the only uncapped player and was part of the last season’s Six Nations squad and impressed for Gwalia Lightning during last season’s Celtic Challenge.

"Some players have missed out on selection, but the door is still open, and we know this is going to be a demanding season, with a Six Nations and World Cup still to come."

Alaw (left) and Gwenllian Pyrs became the first sisters to play for Wales since the Horgan twins against France in 2008

Wales have fallen to 10th in the World Rugby rankings after a disappointing Six Nations, which saw them finish bottom of the table with just one win.

But they did salvage their place in the second tier of WXV after beating Spain in a June play-off.

Wales open their WXV campaign against Australia on 28 September, who will be familiar opposition as Wales play the Wallaroos in their final warm-up game at Rodney Parade on Friday, 20 September.

They then play Italy on 4 October before finishing against Japan a week later.

Wales WXV squad

Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Abbey Constable, Maisie Davies, Carys Phillips, Molly Reardon, Rosie Carr, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Abbie Fleming, Natalia John, Georgia Evans, Alaw Pyrs, Alisha Butchers, Bryonie King, Alex Callender, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis.

Backs: Jenny Hesketh, Jasmine Joyce, Courtney Keight, Nel Metcalfe, Hannah Jones (capt), Hannah Bluck, Kerin Lake, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Kayleigh Powell, Keira Bevan, Sian Jones.