Sean Lynn Starts Fresh with Wales Women’s Rugby
Sean Lynn, who previously won the Premiership Women's Rugby (PRW) league three times with Gloucester-Hartpury, has taken on the role of Wales head coach and is initiating a new phase for the team ahead of this year's Women's Six Nations.
One year into his tenure, Lynn has introduced nine uncapped players into his 38-strong squad and has assembled a new backroom team, including fresh attack, forwards, and defence coaches.
"This is a new cycle for us," said Lynn, no longer picking up the pieces of an old regime.
"I'm very excited, we've got a blend of senior players, some fresh faces, fresh voices and the squad is looking much more competitive."
Challenges from Previous Campaigns
In Lynn's first campaign, Wales lost all five games for the first time in their history, a situation compounded by having less than a week to prepare. The team also experienced a winless World Cup, exiting at the pool stage.
"We know we need to improve, and we're bringing in individuals we feel could be making that difference," said Lynn.
New Coaching Appointments
Among the new appointments is Tyrone Holmes, named Wales' defence coach after serving three years in the same role with Scotland. Lynn expressed strong confidence in Holmes, who is South Africa-born and a former flanker, anticipating significant defensive improvements, especially with Holmes working full-time.
"It's what we will be needing to be competitive," said Lynn, who acknowledged his side was "bullied off the park" in their World Cup opener against Scotland.
Additionally, Brython Thunder coach Ashley Beck has been brought in to rejuvenate Wales' attack, while Exeter Chiefs head coach Steve Salvin will serve as interim forwards coach.
"It's new voices, new faces and big energy," said Lynn.
"What we're going after is that consistency, every coach who's coming in is making sure that we are following the process.
"I want us to be more hard-working, competitive, and when you're in those competitive games and you find those winning moments, those game changing moments, that's where I feel this team can grow."
Welcoming Back Alisha Joyce
Lynn also expressed his pleasure at the return of Alisha Joyce to the squad following the birth of her son.
Drawing Inspiration from the Men’s National Side
Lynn finds motivation in the progress made by Steve Tandy with the men's national team. Like Lynn, Tandy inherited a Wales squad that had suffered consecutive Six Nations wooden spoons but managed to build momentum through encouraging performances against Scotland and Ireland, culminating in a final round victory over Italy.
"Looking at the performances and what they were building inside that camp, you could just feel that momentum," said Lynn.
"We too are building, we just want to be make the nation proud of the women's game."
Upcoming Six Nations Campaign
Wales will open their Six Nations campaign at home against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 11 April.
