Wales have been dealt another injury blow ahead of their WXV Global Series after fullback Kayleigh Powell was ruled out of the entire campaign.
The 27-year-old Harlequins player suffered a hamstring injury in training and will miss Wales’ Tests against South Africa, the USA and Japan.
Powell was one of the standout performers for Wales in the 2026 Six Nations, topping the team’s stats for defenders beaten and meters made. She also impressed at fly-half when Wales ended a nine-match losing streak with a win over the Barbarians in June.
A former Great Britain sevens Olympian who competed at the Paris 2024 Games, Powell has become a key versatile back for head coach Sean Lynn.
Her absence adds to existing selection problems. Prop Donna Rose is already out with an ankle injury while backs Carys Cox and Nel Metcalfe have only just returned to training.
Injury forces change in key positions
Lleucu George is likely to start at fly-half with scrum-half Keira Bevan also providing cover after training in the position during pre-season. Wales open their WXV Global Series campaign against South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday (19:15 BST). The team will then face the USA before travelling to Japan.
Powell’s enforced rest is a significant setback for a Wales side looking to build momentum after a mixed period. The versatile back had been expected to play a major role across the backline. Medical staff will now focus on her recovery while Lynn reshuffles his options for the upcoming Tests.
