Hurt Wales coach Lynn needs ‘good pre-season’

Women’s Six Nations: Italy v Wales

Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi Date: Saturday, 26 April Kick-off: 12:15 BST

Wales’ new head coach Sean Lynn is not used to losing and when he does it cuts him deeply.

A proud Welshman, Lynn came into the top job after securing a third successive Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) title with Gloucester-Hartpury.

During those three leagues seasons his side lost only six games, but his transition to Test rugby has shown it to be an entirely different ball game.

After a closely fought defeat by Scotland in the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations, Lynn saw his side blown away by the power of England, France and Ireland.

Speaking after Sunday’s 40-14 loss to Ireland at Rodney Parade, Lynn’s disappointment was clear to see.

“Really hurt, the players are hurt, the staff are hurt,” he said.

“But look, this is an Ireland side that beat New Zealand and we have got to start turning pressure into points. “

Wales were again outmuscled in key areas of the game as they missed 28 tackles and conceded 18 penalties.

Expectations on Wales in this year’s championship were always going to be measured given the limited time Lynn had with the players.

But they may be a little higher come the Rugby World Cup, which kicks-off in England this summer.

Lynn is confident he can get Wales firing for their tournament opener against Scotland on 23 August. The players report for camp in the first week of June.

“I need a good pre-season with them, put my stamp on it, just making sure that we’re training with intensity and accuracy,” Lynn said.

“I just need to make sure that we are a 60-70 minute team and are going to be a side that stays in the fight for as long as we can.