Flanker Alisha Joyce is set to make her Wales comeback just five months after giving birth to her son Ralphie. Named among the replacements for Saturday's Women's Six Nations clash against reigning world and Six Nations champions England at Ashton Gate (14:15 BST), Joyce's return marks 562 days since she and her partner Jaz Joyce last played together for Wales.
The 28-year-old Bristol Bears flanker has had only half an hour of rugby in the Celtic Challenge this season, but her physicality in training has impressed Wales head coach Sean Lynn.
"What I love about Alisha, she's been chomping at the bit to put that jersey back on since she's been into camp," he said. "She's been outstanding in training, so it's exciting to see her coming off the bench."
Wales have recalled scrum-half Keira Bevan to the starting line-up after she was replaced by Seren Lockwood in last weekend's defeat by France. Branwen Metcalfe earns her first Wales start in place of injured captain Kate Williams in the back row, while Bethan Lewis will lead the team from the opposite flank. Wing Catherine Richards could make her first appearance of the campaign from the bench, with Carys Cox still recovering from a knock in training.
"I thought Seren was outstanding [against France]," added Lynn. "We've had some honest conversations and she understands and it's horses for courses. We just wanted Keira to come in against England, but she knows the impact she's going to bring off the bench."
Despite injury problems, England head to Bristol fresh from a 12-try demolition of Scotland, while Wales are still searching for their first win in the championship since the last round of 2024.
"I'm very excited to be going up against a good England side," concluded Lynn, who led Gloucester-Hartpury to three Premiership Women's Rugby titles.