Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kate Williams left her home in New Zealand to pursue a professional rugby career with Wales
ByCeri Coleman-PhillipsBBC Sport Wales- Published1 hour ago
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Captain Kate Williams says she is excited by what the future holds for new-look Wales after a host of fresh faces came in for the 2026 Women's Six Nations.
Williams will lead a squad that features nine uncapped players while head coach Sean Lynn has appointed all new defence, attack and forwards coaches.
It is a welcome clean slate for Wales after suffering whitewashes in last year's Six Nations and World Cup campaigns.
"It is a fresh start... and I think it's needed," said flanker Williams.
"We've got some serious players in the squad now, a mix of youth with the Celtic Challenge and also some brilliant experience."
Williams also backs Lynn to make more of an impression on the tournament after having less than a week to prepare for last year's opener against Scotland.
"He is just one man and it does take time for momentum to happen in a team," she said about the former Gloucester-Hartpury boss.
"He's been in post for a year now, so we know what he's about and what he wants. The players are behind him, and each other as well, to get to where we want to be, which is a top five team in the world.
"I love the vision he has for the squad and I think all the decisions he's making now are putting us in the best position for the Rugby World Cup in the next four years."
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Flying solo with the captaincy
After sharing captaincy duties with Alex Callender last summer, Williams will have sole responsibility in the Six Nations.
Callender has suffered an ankle injury which has ruled her out of the entire tournament.
"My heart does go out to her, I'm gutted that she can't be a part of the Six Nations, but she'll be there grafting away in the background," said Williams.
"It's such an honour and privilege to be able to lead these girls. It's a massive honour to captain Wales and it's been so cool to be able to do it alongside Alex.
"She's as much a part of it as I am, as are all the senior players.
"We're really trying to grow something here in Wales, the leadership, the direction that we want to go to for the next World Cup."
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Scotland beat Wales 38-8 in the opening pool game of the Rugby World Cup last August
Plenty of room for improvement
Wales looked a team stuck in transition last year as they won just one of 10 Tests and spiralled down to 12th in the world rankings.
They appeared to struggle with new defensive systems, were unimaginative in attack and players looked out of condition due to not getting regular game time at club level.
As well as Lynn, the coaches charged with transforming Wales are Tyrone Holmes (defence), Ashley Beck (attack) and Steve Salvin (forwards), a combination that excites Williams.
"We've taken teams close, but now we want to be able to finish it," she said.
"The way that we're going to try to do that is through our consistency, trying to get our processes in as quick as possible in these next couple of weeks so we're ready for when Scotland come to the Principality Stadium.
"Previously we've seen drop-offs, maybe after half-time, maybe when we're not switched on. Being able to be an 80-minute team is where I think we're going to get the most rewards.
"I hope that we can put out some exciting rugby, so that when you're supporting Wales, you're proud to support Wales and you're proud to be Welsh."
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Media caption,Lynn delighted to welcome Alisha Joyce back from maternity leave
Familiar foes
Just like last year and the year before, Wales' Six Nations opener is against Scotland.
Wales had the upper hand in the Celtic clash up until 2023, but have failed to win in their past few encounters, including a sobering defeat at the World Cup.
The two sides will meet again at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 11 April (16:40 BST).
"They've got to be one of our biggest rivalries," admitted Williams.
"A few years ago it was us on top and they've really turned it around. They're one of our biggest challenges and one of the games that we're going to go after.
"We do want to write some wrongs [from the World Cup].
And Williams insists they have the calibre of players to be able to beat the Scots.
"It is a big match, but these are the big moments that we're excited to play. This is what we want to do as rugby players," she added.
"I wouldn't call it a grudge match or anything, but we're looking to beat as many teams as possible, Scotland being one of them."
After Scotland, Wales host France at Cardiff Arms Park on 18 April before travelling to face reigning champions England at Ashton Gate a week later.
A trip to Belfast follows to take on Ireland after the fallow week before Wales finish their campaign back at the Arms Park against Italy on 17 May.
