Wales co-capt Callender fit for World Cup opener

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Scotland v Wales

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

Wales co-captain Alex Callender has been passed fit to face Scotland in Wales’ Rugby World Cup opener on Saturday.

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.

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.

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).