Wales head coach Sean Lynn admits his side are far from the finished product but says he has been hugely encouraged by their WXV showings.
Wales finished World Rugby's new Global Series on a high with an eight-try mauling of South Africa in Cardiff and two Test wins in Japan. Only a narrow two-point defeat by USA, a team ranked in the world's top six, prevented a clean sweep. The turnaround marks a transformation for a side that had been on a nine-Test losing streak and slumped to an all-time low world ranking of 13th.
"Twelve months ago we didn't win a game in the World Cup. We've worked so hard as a group of players and staff and we've come into this WXV with three out of four wins," said Lynn. "Are we the finished product? No we're not, but we're seeing the bigger picture of that roadmap to the 2029 World Cup."
The transformation began with a brutal pre-season during which Lynn secured the permanent services of assistant coaches Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin, alongside defence coach Tyrone Holmes and strength and conditioning specialist Gareth Harris. Co-captain Kate Williams praised the established DNA and competitive environment.
Lynn has capped 12 new players during his 18 months in charge, unearthing talents such as Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe, Freya Bell and Amy Williams. The senior players now face genuine competition for places.
Uncertainty remains at half-back after experimenting with combinations. Kayleigh Powell impressed at fly-half but missed the WXV with a hamstring injury. Keira Bevan and Lleucu George have also been tried, with continuity hoped for during the 2027 Six Nations.
The historic women's British and Irish Lions tour next year added extra incentive. Lions head coach Jo Yapp watched Wales' demolition of South Africa. Players like co-captain Alex Callender, prop Sisilia Tuipulotu, and scrum-half Seren Lockwood have put themselves in contention.
Wales have not won a Six Nations game since 2024 and open the 2027 edition against reigning champions England at the Principality Stadium. Lynn views the fixture as a huge opportunity. The squad returns to domestic leagues with confidence, aiming for more ups than downs in 2027.
