Lisa Neumann recalled to Wales' 46-player WXV training squad
Swansea-born Lisa Neumann has been named in Wales' extended 46-player training squad preparing for the autumn's four-match WXV Global Series, the selection announced on 10 August 2026. The 32-year-old winger returns to the group after leaving Harlequins in July and is currently unattached.
Neumann, who has played for Sale Sharks, Gloucester-Hartpury and Harlequins, missed almost all of the 2026 Six Nations after suffering a hamstring injury in the opening game against Scotland. Her recall comes as Wales assemble an expanded training group to rebuild ahead of the WXV campaign.
Head coach Sean Lynn has included 14 uncapped players in the extended squad. "This is a new look Wales squad for a new season as we prepare for an exciting and demanding WXV campaign," said Lynn.
Among those yet to win an official Test cap are Lily Hawkins, Amy Williams, Kelsie Webster, Stella Orrin and Lucy Issac; all five featured in June's uncapped victory against the Barbarians at Twickenham. Wales ended a nine-game losing streak against the Barbarians at the Allianz Stadium but lost all five of their Six Nations matches for the second year running, finishing bottom for a third consecutive season.
The extended squad contains 37 players who have taken part in Celtic Challenge rugby for Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning and introduces new faces in fly half Ffion Williams, prop Crystal James and hooker Shanelle Williams; centre Savannah Picton Powell returns from injury. "All the players were given individualised training programmes which they followed before meeting up for block one of pre-season," added Lynn. "High standards and clear expectations have been set for the players and that will allow us to have a real focus on the rugby."
The full extended squad named by Wales is: Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks), Maisie Davies (Exeter Chiefs), Katherine Baverstock (Gwalia Lightning), Crystal James (Gwalia Lightning), Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder), Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning), Molly Wakely (Gwalia Lightning), Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks), Elan Jones (Brython Thunder), Stella Orrin (Brython Thunder), Donna Rose (Saracens), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins), Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder), Tilly Vucaj (Gwalia Lightning), Natalia John (Brython Thunder), Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Alex Callender (Harlequins), Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning), Bethan Lewis (Bristol Bears), Alisha Joyce (Brython Thunder), Kate Williams (Gloucester-Hartpury), Jorja Aiono (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lucy Issac (Brython Thunder), Anwen Owen (Gwalia Lightning), Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears), Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder), Lily Hawkins (Gwalia Lightning), Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins), Lleucu George (Gloucester-Hartpury), Ffion Williams (Brython Thunder), Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks), Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning), Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders), Jenna De Vera (Brython Thunder), Savannah Picton Powell (Brython Thunder), Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester-Hartpury), Nikita Prothero (Gwalia Lightning), Jasmine Joyce (Brython Thunder), Amy Williams (Brython Thunder), Kelsie Webster (Gwalia Lightning), Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester-Hartpury), Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder), Lisa Neumann (Unattached), Hanna Marshall (Brython Thunder), Hanna Tudor (Unattached).
"The players selected have all impressed and will be put through a robust pre-season training camp before we select the final squad for the Test matches against South Africa, USA and Japan," said Lynn; Wales' preparations include home matches against South Africa and the USA in September, followed by two away Tests against Japan in October.