Wales' next generation getting a taste of Test life

After a Six Nations that was hit by injuries to key players, Wales are having a look at the next generation this summer.

Sean Lynn’s side will face the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday (17:00 BST) after the men’s fixture in the double-header.

It is a chance for Wales to start building towards WXV Global Series, with the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) play-offs also pushing the management towards looking at young talent.

Experienced players are likely to feature against the Baa-Baas but bright prospects have been brought in for an eye-opener at the Vale Resort.

“The door is open for selection, and this is a good opportunity for our younger players to taste what is expected at international level,” said head coach Lynn when announcing his 33-strong squad.

The boss bemoaned the loss of Alex Callender, Kate Williams, Gwen Crabb, Nel Metcalfe and Lisa Neumann during the Six Nations, when his record moved on to 14 losses in 15 Tests.

The pressure is mounting after three wooden spoons on the bounce, but Wales believe there is exciting talent that can eventually bring brighter times in this World Cup cycle.

Players are pushing for international honours in a year that ends with September fixtures against South Africa and USA in Cardiff plus two away October Tests in Japan.

From exams to Test camp

Lily Hawkins sat A-level exams in biology and physical education (PE) earlier this month before linking up with the national squad.

The Coleg Gwent student started the season aiming to have a leadership role with Wales Under-18s, and possibly train with Gwalia Lightning.

Instead, the 18-year-old scrum-half from New Tredegar scored a try on her Lightning debut and is now learning from Wales’ best.

“It has been a bit of a hectic year,” she said. “I have gone from college to PDC (Player Development Centre), to under-18s, to Gwalia, to under-21s, to seniors.

“I have loved it all and they have been great opportunities. Whatever comes, whether it is expected or not, I put 100% in.”

Hawkins balanced revision with rugby and intends to extend her studying at Cardiff Met next year.

The teenage half-back – who says her biggest asset is effort – will push Keira Bevan and Seren Lockwood ahead of the Barbarians game in a first taste of senior international standards.

“It’s been intense and the level goes up,” she said. “Quite a few youngsters have come into the environment.

“It’s a great opportunity and test for us. Anything that comes now is just a bonus.”

Wales gave reason for optimism in round two of the Six Nations when a strong finish earned a four-try bonus against Grand Slam winners England.

Freya Bell won her first cap in the 62-24 loss in front of 26,247 fans at Bristol’s Ashton Gate the week after the centre had been vice-captain for Wales Under-21s against France at Cardiff Arms Park.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and I’ve had a bit of a crazy year. To make my debut against England was an incredible experience,” said Bell, who also came off the bench in Ireland.

“I had been injured and was just hoping to be back for the Under-21s, so getting called up to the senior squad was amazing and I didn’t expect it at all. I just want to play more now.”

Injuries to Hannah Dallavalle and Carys Cox opened the door for Bell, who caught the eye of Lynn playing for Cardiff Met.

“He has told me to just play to my strengths, to be a confident ball player and carry hard,” she said.

“I am quite a physical player who likes to tackle hard and carry hard.”

After an unexpected chance in the Six Nations, Bell will hope to keep pushing the seniors over the coming months.

Following Jac Morgan’s lead

While Hawkins and Bell have enjoyed rapid rises, Anwen Owen has reaped the rewards of persistence.

Formerly a centre, the 24-year-old is now aiming to follow in the footsteps of Jac Morgan by becoming an international flanker from Cwmtwrch RFC.

The Cardiff Met student got her foot in the door thanks to her exploits with Gwalia Lightning in Celtic Challenge.

“I started playing rugby when I was four and it’s always been a dream to come into Wales squad and hopefully represent my country,” said Owen.

“There have been a lot of tears – happy and sad – through highs and lows to get to this level. When here you just have to take it in your stride, grab the opportunity and enjoy the moment.”

Owen gets the chance to pick the brains of established back-rowers Alex Callender and Alisha Joyce.

“It’s been intense to come into the set-up, and to try and keep up that standard is a good kind of tough,” she said.

“There are a lot of youngsters coming through and we have to try to make it harder for the coaches to pick the team.”