Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Alex Callender and Nel Metcalfe helped Wales to a historic win in Australia in 2025
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Wales will be without the leading duo of Alex Callender and Nel Metcalfe for the 2026 Women's Six Nations.
Influential back row forward Callender misses out with an ankle injury while Gloucester-Hartpury full-back Metcalfe, one of the few bright lights of a disappointing World Cup campaign last year, has a knee issue.
Both injuries were sustained with their clubs and the pair are expected to be out of action for three months.
Flanker Kate Williams has been named as captain by head coach Sean Lynn for the tournament which gets under way against Scotland at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 11 April (16:40 BST).
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"This is disappointing injury news for the squad and for both Al Cal and Nel ahead of the Six Nations, but they will have the best medical and rehab care to get them back playing," said Lynn.
"Al Cal has been a real leader for the squad and Nel has been one of the form players for Wales and her club in the PWR (Premiership Women's Rugby).
"This does mean there is an opportunity for players to step up and stake a claim for a place in the Wales squad for the Women's Six Nations.
"We have seen players really put their hands up for selection during the Celtic Challenge and the PWR."
Flanker Williams named captain
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Swansea-born Kate Williams made her Wales debut in 2023
Callender was co-captain for last year's two-Test series against Australia – leading the side to a historic first win Down Under – and the World Cup in England.
The 25-year-old overcame an ankle injury to feature in the tournament but then needed surgery after Wales' early exit.
She returned for Harlequins at the end of January and it is believed to be a fresh injury and not a relapse.
Williams, who made her Test debut against Ireland in 2023, shared the captaincy duties and has been chosen as the leader for the Six Nations.
Lynn said: "Kate Williams has the respect of the whole squad, and her leadership skills means she will be Wales captain for this Six Nations campaign."
Wales lost all five games of last year's championship, condemning them to a second Wooden Spoon on the bounce.
