Callender returns as Wales call up new faces

Wales women's rugby head coach Sean Lynn has named a 33-player training squad for the uncapped fixture against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, 27 June. The squad includes 14 uncapped players, while 24 members play for Welsh-based sides Brython Thunder or Gwalia Lightning.

Back-row Alex Callender, 25, returns after missing the Women's Six Nations due to injury. She is expected to feature in the match, which follows the men's international against the Barbarians in a double-header.

Lynn emphasised the opportunity to build for the future after Wales endured a winless Six Nations campaign. "It's a real opportunity to continue to build our playing philosophy and to have a look at the exciting young talent now coming through our pathway," he said. He added that all players have been told there is a real opportunity to play against an experienced Barbarians side and not to assume they will or will not play.

Several players who featured in Sunday's Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final defeat by Ealing Trailfinders for Gloucester-Hartpury—Kelsey Jones, Bethan Lewis, Sian Jones, Lleucu George, Hannah Dallavalle, Nel Metcalfe, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Jorja Aiono and Alaw Pyrs—have not been named in the initial squad and will be assessed on Thursday. Saracens duo Georgia Evans and Donna Rose, and Trailfinders back Carys Cox, will be involved in the PWR final on the same weekend and are unavailable.

The full squad: Backs: Keira Bevan, Seren Lockwood, Lily Hawkins, Kayleigh Powell, Hanna Marshall, Courtney Keight, Freya Bell, Kelsie Webster, Jenna De Vera, Hanna Tudor, Nikita Prothero, Jasmine Joyce, Amy Williams. Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Kath Baverstock, Crystal James, Shanelle Williams, Molly Reardon, Molly Wakely, Kendall Waudby, Elan Jones, Stella Orrin, Jenni Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Natalia John, Branwen Metcalfe, Chiara Pearce, Alex Callender, Bryonie King, Lucy Isaac, Alisha Joyce, Anwen Owen.