Keira Bevan to Captain Wales in WXV2 Warm-Up Against Scotland as Young Talent Steps Up

Wales scrum-half Keira Bevan will captain her country for the first time in Friday’s international friendly against Scotland, as Ioan Cunningham's side prepares for the upcoming WXV2 tournament. The match, set to take place at The Hive in Edinburgh at 19:35 BST, will also see several rising stars earn their first senior caps in what promises to be a significant moment for Welsh rugby.

Bevan, 27, leads a youthful Wales squad, with debutants Maisie Davies, Rosie Carr, and Alaw Pyrs all poised to make their first senior appearances off the bench. Pyrs will join her sister Gwenllian in the front row, marking the first time sisters have played for Wales since twins Claire and Louise Horgan in 2008.

"It’s a special moment for our team and the Pyrs family," said Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham. "Keira Bevan is an experienced international, and I’m excited to see her lead this squad."

Number eight Gwennan Hopkins will make her first start for Wales, while flanker Alisha Butchers is set to win her 50th cap, adding another layer of experience to the matchday lineup.

Wales enters the fixture riding high after their emphatic eight-try victory over Spain in June, which secured their place in both WXV2 and the 2025 World Cup. The game against Scotland is the first of two warm-up matches before facing Australia at Rodney Parade on September 20.

Cunningham praised the young players in his squad, particularly Davies, Carr, and Alaw Pyrs, who have made an impression following their performances in the Under-20 Six Nations in Parma earlier this year. "They all warrant their selection," Cunningham said, adding that the exposure of these new talents will be invaluable as Wales gears up for the challenges ahead in the WXV2 tournament.

After Friday's clash with Scotland, Wales will face Australia again in their WXV2 opener in Cape Town on September 28, followed by a matchup against Italy a week later. With Bevan at the helm and the team's blend of youth and experience, Wales looks to sharpen their skills ahead of the tournament, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting few weeks of international rugby.