Wales co-capt Callender fit for World Cup opener

Alex Callender led Wales to an impressive victory in their first Test against Australia last month

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Scotland v Wales

Venue: Salford Community Stadium Date: Saturday, 23 August Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds

Wales co-captain Alex Callender has been passed fit for Saturday's Rugby World Cup opener against Scotland.

The influential back-rower had been a doubt after injuring her ankle against Australia earlier this month.

She leads a side showing five personnel and one positional switch from their second Test defeat in Sydney.

Callender joins co-captain Kate Williams and Bethan Lewis in an unchanged back row.

Alaw Pyrs comes in at lock alongside Gwen Crabb, while Donna Rose and Kelsey Jones are selected in the front row with Gwenllian Pyrs.

Lleucu George is preferred at 10 to Kayleigh Powell and resumes her half-back partnership with Keira Bevan, while Hannah Dallavalle returns to the midfield with Courtney Keight.

The backline remains unchanged with Nel Metcalfe, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and Lisa Neumann, who will win her 50th cap.

Rachel Malcolm will lead Scotland and will be joined in the back row by Rachel McLachlan and Evie Gallagher who will make her World Cup debut.

Sarah Bonar returns to the starting XV to partner Emma Wassell, while in the front row Lana Skeldon – Scotland's most capped player with 81 caps – starts at hooker between Leah Bartlett and Elliann Clarke.

Helen Nelson partners Leia Brebner-Holden in the half-backs, with centres Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr continuing their midfield partnership.

Wingers Rhona Lloyd and Francesca McGhie are joined in the back three by Chloe Rollie.

Wales head coach Sean Lynn has opted for a 5:3 split of forwards and backs on the bench, with Carys Phillips set to make a fourth World Cup appearance at hooker.

There is also plenty of experience in Georgia Evans, Abbie Fleming, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Kayleigh Powell, while Carys Cox, Seren Lockwood and Maise Davies will make their tournament debuts.

Scotland head coach Bryan Easson has gone for a 6:2 split, with Elis Martin, Lisa Cockburn, Eva Donaldson and Alex Stewart also set for World Cup debuts.

Jade Konkel, Molly Wright, Caity Mattinson and Beth Blacklock are also set to make an impact.

"We have selected the strongest squad available for what is a vital Test match for the squad, and we know all 23 players will play a part in delivering a performance against Scotland," said Lynn.

"Alex Callender has been declared fit and is raring to go and being able to select her is a huge boost for the squad. Having the combined captaincy of Al Cal and Kate Williams will be key for us against the Scots."

Lynn said Wales are under "no illusions" of the importance of their opening game, with Canada the hot favourites to top Pool B, leaving only one runners-up place to progress to the knockouts.

"All of the squad have trained well since we have been in Manchester, and we are looking sharp and focussed for what will be the biggest Women's Rugby World Cup," he said.

"I have asked the players how they want Wales to be remembered at this tournament and what it means to them to be here.

"Players, coaches and staff know what a privilege it is to be here and to represent Wales at the Rugby World Cup."

Line-ups

Scotland: Chloe Rollie; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Francesca McGhie; Helen Nelson, Leia Brebner-Holden; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon,Elliann Clarke, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm (capt), Rachel McLachlan, Evie Gallagher

Replacements: Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Lisa Cockburn, Jade Konkel, Eva Donaldson, Alex Stewart, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Lisa Neumann, Hannah Dallavalle, Courtney Keight, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Donna Rose, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt).

Replacements: Carys Phillips, Maisie Davies, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Carys Cox.