Lynn to give wounded Wales a 'licence to inspire'

Wales' new head coach Sean Lynn says he will give his players a "licence to inspire" in the upcoming Women's Six Nations.

Wales were a shadow of their former selves in 2024, finishing bottom of the championship and plummeting from sixth to 10th in the world rankings.

It later emerged their hapless season was played out against a backdrop of a bitter contract dispute for which the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) apologised.

Lynn will see out the domestic season with Gloucester-Hartpury, meaning he will have just six days to prepare Wales for their Six Nations opener against Scotland on 22 March.

And while the Welshman admits it is a short turnaround from the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) final against Saracens on 16 March, he is excited by the group's potential.

"When I was in [Wales] camp on Thursday, Kayleigh Powell just blew me away, everything about her, her intent and that's what I want, I want these girls driving up standards," he said.

"Lisa Neumann has been a standout player, Abbie Fleming is so physical at the breakdown. I'm just hoping that these girls will bring that form into the international arena."

With Wales' off-field troubles hopefully now behind them, Lynn says he wants to create "one big family" among his players and staff.

"What's happened has happened," he said. "I've gone into this environment and said 'we're in this together'.

"It's all about mindset and making sure that the girls enjoy being in the family, making sure that they are proud to put that jersey on.

"Let's go out and enjoy what we're doing."

Lynn has named a 48-player Six Nations training squad which he will whittle down to 36 next week.

Fifteen of those players featured in the recent PWR semi-finals, while more than half played in this season's Celtic Challenge, with up and coming talent like Maisie Davies, Alaw Pyrs and Sian Jones catching Lynn's eye.

"I introduced four 18-year-olds into camp, the future family," Lynn said.

"It's really nice because I've got senior players looking over their shoulder.

"I just want to make sure that the future family are knocking on the door and get their opportunities."

Lynn will be without star players Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender for what he expects to be a "very competitive" game against Scotland in Edinburgh.

"I know a lot of the players from the PWR, they're a good outfit but we are too," he said.

The fixture takes on extra significance as the two teams also meet in the opening Pool B game at this summer's Rugby World Cup in England.

"It will be a dress rehearsal, some of our girls will only have a six day turnaround.

"I've got full trust in these girls and I'm very confident we can go up there and really have a go at Scotland."

Lynn also hinted at what Wales will look like under his management, with previous coach Ioan Cunningham's reign being very much about the power of the pack.

"I think we'll see some variety in our game," he said.

"We're going to enjoy defending, we're going to come alive to get that ball back.

"We will have a very good set piece and also I'll give these girls a licence to inspire and we will be moving the ball to the edges and releasing our athletes.

"I think we've got to make sure we get that mindset of working hard for each other."