Wales have suffered another injury setback ahead of their WXV Global Series campaign, with Kayleigh Powell ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury that will keep her sidelined for Test matches against South Africa, the USA and Japan in September and October.
The Harlequins back started all five of Wales' 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations fixtures at fullback, scoring once as Wales claimed a third consecutive wooden spoon. The 33-cap back also represented Team GB in sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Powell's absence compounds a growing injury crisis for Sean Lynn's squad. Last week the WRU confirmed that Donna Rose, Kelsie Webster and Hanna Tudor were also sidelined for the next two months.
Wales head into Friday's clash with the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park without a win since July 2025, when they beat Australia in a World Cup warm-up fixture. Their most recent competitive outing was a 43-24 defeat to Italy in Round 5 of the Women's Six Nations. Wales announce their matchday squad on Wednesday.
The Springbok Women arrive having played five Tests since July — drawing a home series with the USA, whitewashing Fiji on tour, and losing to the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium.