Wales chase first back-to-back wins since 2023 as Metcalfe sisters reunite against Japan

Wales travel to face Japan in the second of two WXV Global Series Tests on Saturday, chasing back-to-back victories for the first time since 2023 after a dominant 17-0 win in Tokyo last week ended a 13-month winless run.

Sean Lynn’s side had gone without a win from September 2023 until beating South Africa 50-19 earlier this autumn, and another result against the Sakura Fifteen would mark a significant step in the team’s rebuild. “It’s really big for us,” said lock Branwen Metcalfe. “Lynny said that, as a squad, we’ve never done that. The last time Wales did it was 2023. It’s massive for us. We’ve got a real opportunity to do that. It’s an exciting time.”

Metcalfe, 20, has started each of Wales’ last six Tests and has been one of Lynn’s most consistent performers throughout the WXV Global Series campaign. Across the autumn series she has made 45 tackles, won 11 lineouts, carried 16 times and made one line break — numbers that reflect her growing importance to the side.

Despite the consistency of selection, Metcalfe insists she is not taking her place for granted. “Definitely not settled,” she said. “It’s quite a hard place to feel completely settled, but I’m still pushing for that starting jersey. I think there’s plenty of growth still to come. Definitely learning quickly. You have to at this level if you want to compete.”

The first Test in Tokyo also brought a personal milestone for Branwen: she was joined on the pitch by her older sister Nel, who had missed the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations and Wales’ earlier WXV home fixtures through injury. It was the first time the pair had played together for Wales since the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“I’m really chuffed for her,” Branwen said of Nel’s return. “She’s been working really, really hard on her rehab. It’s nice for her to get back on the pitch. She deserves it. I’ve seen how grumpy she’s been.”

A second win at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium would give Wales genuine momentum heading into 2026 and signal that Lynn’s patient rebuild is beginning to bear fruit.