Lisa Neumann returns to Wales women’s rugby squad

Winger Lisa Neumann, 32, has returned to the 46-player Wales training squad for the autumn WXV series after recovering from a hamstring injury. Neumann, who has been without a club since leaving Harlequins in July, missed almost the entirety of the 2026 Six Nations after sustaining the injury in the opening match against Scotland. Head coach Ioan Cunningham has included 14 uncapped players in the squad. Wales will host South Africa and the USA in September before travelling to Japan for two Tests in October. Lily Hawkins, Amy Williams, Kelsey Webster, Stella Orrin and Lucy Isaac are among the uncapped players who featured in the victory against the Barbarians at Twickenham in June. Fly-half Ffion Williams, prop Crystal James and hooker Shanel Williams are also new additions, while Savannah Picton-Powell returns following injury. Cunningham stated that the squad represents a fresh start for a new season as they prepare for the WXV competition. He noted that all selected players have performed impressively and will be assessed during an intensive pre-season camp before the final selection for the upcoming Tests. He added that players have followed individual training programmes, noting that high standards and clear expectations have been set to allow for a focus on rugby. A total of 37 players in the squad have experience in the Celtic Challenge for Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning. Neumann previously played for Sale Sharks, Gloucester-Hartpury and Harlequins in the Premiership Women's Rugby. Wales lost all five of their Six Nations matches for the second consecutive year, finishing at the bottom of the table for the third season in a row, though they did end a nine-match losing streak with a win against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium.