Joyce set for Wales comeback after birth of son

ByCeri Coleman-Phillips

BBC Sport Wales

Alisha Joyce is set for her Wales comeback just five months after giving birth to her son Ralphie.

Joyce is named among the replacements to face reigning world and Six Nations champions England at Ashton Gate on Saturday (14:15 BST), 562 days since her and her partner Jaz Joyce last played together for Wales.

The 28-year-old Bristol Bears flanker has only had half an hour of rugby in the Celtic Challenge this season.

But her physicality in training has impressed Wales head coach Sean Lynn.

"What I love about Alisha, she's been chomping at the bit to put that jersey back on since she's been into camp," he said.

"She's been outstanding in training, so it's exciting to see her coming off the bench."

Wales have recalled scrum-half Keira Bevan to the starting line-up.

Bevan was replaced by Seren Lockwood in last weekend's Six Nations defeat by France, but has been given the nod on Saturday.

There is a first Wales start for Branwen Metcalfe, who takes the place of injured captain Kate Williams in the back row, while Bethan Lewis will lead the team from the opposite flank.

Wing Catherine Richards could make her first appearance of the campaign from the bench, with Carys Cox still recovering from a knock in training.

"I thought Seren was outstanding [against France]," said Lynn.

"We've had some honest conversations and she understands and it's horses for courses. We just wanted Keira to come in against England, but she knows the impact she's going to bring off the bench.

"Branwen is so diligent and always wants to learn. That's something which the coaching staff have been really impressed with."

Despite injury problems, England head to Bristol fresh from a 12-try demolition of Scotland, while Wales are still searching for their first win in the championship since the last round of 2024.

"I'm very excited to be going up against a good England side," said Lynn, who led Gloucester-Hartputy to three Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) titles.

"They've got a lot of injuries, but you can just see the depth they've got, and to be putting 84 points on a very good Scotland side just shows where England are.

"It will be a really good measure for us from our performances against Scotland and France, and what I want from our group of players is everything we are learning, we're putting right against the best in the world.

"And then we can grow again, have a break and build on the next two weeks going into Ireland and Italy."

Wales: Powell; Singleton, Dallavalle, Keight, J Joyce; George, Bevan; Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Aiono, Crabb, Metcalfe, Lewis (capt), King.

Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, Evans, A Joyce, Lockwood, De Vera, Richards