Wales co-captains return as Wales target Fiji win

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Wales v Fiji

Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter Date: Saturday, 6 September Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport online and app, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds

Wales welcome back co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams for their final match of the Rugby World Cup against Fiji.

Both sides are winless so far in the tournament and are unable to progress with Canada and Scotland already confirmed as the Pool B quarter-finalists.

Head coach Sean Lynn has made four changes and two positional switches to the starting line-up as Wales look to salvage some pride after heavy defeats by Scotland and Canada.

Experienced hooker Carys Phillips returns to the front row while Kayleigh Powell makes her first start of the competition at full-back.

Nel Metcalfe, who has been Wales' standout player, switches to the wing in place of Jasmine Joyce-Butchers who drops to the bench.

Georgia Evans moves to lock with fit again Callender and Williams returning to the back row.

"As players, coaches and staff we are determined to finish the World Cup on a high," said Lynn.

"Having Alex Callender and Kate Williams back is a real boost for the squad.

"We know this will be our final game of the tournament and we respect the challenge Fiji will pose us in Exeter.

"We have shown in glimpses what we are capable of, but we are well aware that we have to deliver a consistent performance if we are going to get the win we all want against the Fijians.

"The players have been told to be brave and to embrace the challenge and to make sure we leave this tournament with our heads held high."

Fiji are coached by Welshman Ioan Cunningham, who left his role as Wales head coach last November amid a contract dispute between players and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Cunningham has been forced into changes due to injury and suspension, and will be without vice-captain Bilita Tawake who has been given a three match ban for a dangerous tackle last weekend in their defeat by Scotland.

Asinate Serevi starts at lock, while Repeka Tove and Kolora Lomani come in on the wings after making an impact from the bench.

"We've tried to reward performances after the Scotland match, where the players showed tremendous effort and skill," Cunningham said.

"Of course, there are a few forced changes due to injury and suspension, but that's why we have a strong squad, and we back every player who steps onto the field."

Wales: Kayleigh Powell; Lisa Neumann, Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Maisie Davies, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Georgia Evans, Gwen Crabb, Kate Williams (co-capt), Bethan Lewis, Alex Callender (co-capt)

Replacements: Molly Reardon, Gwenllian Pyrs, Donna Rose, Abbie Fleming, Bryonie King, Seren Lockwood, Hannah Dallavalle, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers

Fiji: Litiana Vueti; Repeka Tove, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Josifini Neihamu, Kolora Lomani; Salanieta Kinita, Setaita Railumu, Karalaini Naisewa, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu, Jade Coates, Asinate Serevi, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher (capt), Manuqalo Komaitai

Replacements: Selai Naliva, Carletta Yee, Tiana Robanakdavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Sulita Waisega, Repeka Mata, Kelerayani Luvu, Salote Nailolo.