Jones to be replaced as Wales captain

The Welsh Rugby Union says Hannah Jones will continue to play a "key leadership role within the squad" despite losing the captaincy

Wales head coach Sean Lynn has taken the captaincy away from Hannah Jones before the 2025 World Cup.

Jones, 28, has been relieved of the role before the global tournament and the two-match World Cup warm-up tour to face Australia in July and August.

The centre, who has won 65 caps, became captain before the 2023 Six Nations when Wales finished third.

Wales finished bottom in the next two tournaments, while Jones also had to deal with a contract dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in 2024.

"This is a new chapter for the team, and I am determined to drive the change we need with the squad, coaches and staff so that we build real success on solid foundations," said Lynn.

"A new Wales captain is part of this process, and we have some candidates, but they need to prove they have the qualities to lead the national side."

In March, Jones said she considered her international future after last year's contract row.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) admitted serious failings during a dragged-out negotiation process, during which players dealt with ultimatums and threats of withdrawal from major tournaments if they failed to sign.

The WRU apologised and conducted an independent review, while head coach Ioan Cunningham left by mutual consent.

Lynn was appointed as Wales head coach and took over the role a week before the 2025 Six Nations after winning three successive league titles with Gloucester-Hartpury, a team which included Jones.

He decided initially to keep Jones as his skipper, with scrum-half Keira Bevan and flanker Alex Callender named as vice-captains, but has now opted for change.

"Hannah has done a professional job in challenging circumstances that have been well-documented, but we will call for a fresh voice in a deliberate move to grow the leadership within the squad," said Lynn.

"Hannah remains a valued and senior member of the squad. We have enjoyed great success together at club level and I want us to do the same at international level."

'Creating a new culture'

Wales finished bottom after losing all five games, including a record defeat against Italy in the final game.

"I made it clear when I was appointed by the WRU this was the job I always wanted and I needed the mandate to create a new team culture, to drive standards and challenge coaches, players and staff to build a team to make the nation proud," added Lynn.

"That is something we will all do together, and developing more leaders is one of many steps on that journey."

Lynn has named a 45-player summer training squad with a host of new faces from to underline his commitment to change in the senior national squad.

The coach wants to whittle his squad down to 30 players before heading to take on the Wallaroos in Brisbane on 26 July and then in Sydney on 1 August.

Wales beat Australia for the first time in their history at Rodney Parade in a warm-up last September before succumbing to a heavy defeat at WXV2 a week later.

On their return to the UK, Wales will have three weeks to shake off the jet lag and get ready for what promises to be the biggest ever Women's Rugby World Cup, with the 10th edition being held across eight different venues in England.

Wales' opening game is against Six Nations rivals Scotland on Saturday, 23 August in Salford before further group games against Canada and Fiji.

Analysis

Ceri Coleman-Phillips, BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

Sean Lynn may be "all about the family", but he has once again proven he is no soft touch when it comes to making big decisions.

During his first campaign he showed he was not afraid to shake things up and warned players to step up or risk World Cup selection.

There was no room for sentiment either when it came to renewing contracts, Ffion Lewis, Carys Williams-Morris, Meg Webb and Niamh Terry were all affectionately shown the door.

No one's place is safe and in this latest chapter, not even the captain's.

There was absolutely no doubt Hannah Jones led Wales with pride. The honour of the captaincy was not lost on her, she was the consummate professional on and off the pitch.

Admittedly, she led with actions rather than words, but maybe now is the time for talk.

There are few voices louder than back-rower Alex Callender who would be an obvious choice of successor. The 24-year-old has proven leadership qualities, she was vice-captain during the Six Nations and led Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge.

She wears her heart on her sleeve and few work harder than her.

Experienced scrum-half Keira Bevan could also be in with a shout having led Wales a handful of times, while workhorses Georgia Evans and Bethan Lewis would also be popular choices.