Tuipulotu visa delay 'not ideal' - Cunningham

Sisilia Tuipulotu has been one of Wales' standout players since bursting on to the scene in the 2023 Women's Six Nations

WXV2: Australia v Wales

Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town Date: Saturday, 28 September Kick-off: 11:30 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer, commentary on Radio Wales Extra & Radio Cymru, live text on BBC Sport website & app

Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham says a delay in getting Sisilia Tuipulotu a visa to enter South Africa is "not ideal", but is hopeful she can travel soon.

The 21-year-old prop did not fly to Cape Town with the rest of squad on Monday because of what the Welsh Rugby Union called an "administrative oversight".

She will now miss Wales' WXV2 opener against Australia on Saturday.

"It's being dealt with pretty efficiently at the moment and we hope to get the visa situation sorted pretty quickly," said Cunningham.

"Sisilia will be a massive loss for us, but it does provide other opportunities for players to show what they can do.

"I’ve spoken to her, obviously she wants to be with her team-mates and she wants to be with the squad, but also fully understands the process that needs to be done, which we’ll get through pretty swiftly over the next couple of days."

Tuipulotu's absence will not only be felt in Wales' front row, she is also a big miss in camp.

Saturday's skipper Keira Bevan said her loss is felt "massively".

"She is such a big part of our playing squad, I think we’re all really starting to miss her a bit now, so if she could hurry up that would be brilliant."

Second row Natalia John added: "It's massively gutting because she is so good for the environment, she's such a good human.

"We're constantly all talking to her and she's in good spirits, we just can't wait to have her back in camp."

Wales take on the Wallaroos for the second time in a week, having beaten them 31-24 in last Friday's warm-up at Rodney Parade.

Hooker Rosie Carr suffered a shoulder injury in that game which ruled her out of the trip to South Africa, but Cunningham has called up her twin sister Katie.

"She's settling in really well and we're pleased to have her," Cunningham said.