GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY full-back Nel Metcalfe has been recalled to the Wales squad for their WXV double-header against Japan later this month.

The 21-year-old has recovered from the knee injury which ruled her out of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations and will travel as part of Sean Lynn’s 30-player squad.

Metcalfe was included in Wales’ extended training group for September’s WXV matches against South Africa and the United States but did not feature in either matchday squad.

Her return gives her the chance to re-establish herself at international level after she impressed for Wales during the 2025 World Cup in England.

Metcalfe made her comeback from injury in June, when she represented Wales against the Barbarians in an uncapped fixture.

She is one of several Gloucester-Hartpury players selected for the trip, alongside co-captain Kate Williams, Jorja Aiono, Sian Jones, Lleucu George and Hannah Dallavalle.

Wales will face Japan at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, October 24, before meeting the Sakura XV again at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Saitama Prefecture on Saturday, October 31.

Head coach Lynn said selection had been difficult following Wales’ recent performances, which included a victory over South Africa and a narrow two-point defeat against the United States.

He said: “This was a tough selection process after our performances against South Africa and USA, we asked the players to move the dial, and we did that in those two Test matches.”

Lynn added that the performances had laid “real foundations” for the identity and style Wales are seeking to build.

Uncapped props Stella Orrin and Crystal James have also been selected, while Alex Callender will share the captaincy with Gloucester-Hartpury flanker Williams.

Wales will now look to build further momentum in Japan after ending a nine-Test losing run with their impressive WXV victory over South Africa.