Back rower Alisha Joyce is set to make her return to Test rugby 158 days after giving birth, having been named in the Wales side to face England in the Women's Six Nations. Joyce and her wife Jasmine, who starts on the wing in Bristol, welcomed son Ralphie in November before returning to club action earlier this year.
The flanker is now in line to win her 55th Wales cap off the bench after being brought into the matchday 23 by head coach Sean Lynn. Her last game for Wales was in 2024.
“On behalf of all the players, coaches and staff, I cannot say how delighted we are to welcome Alisha back after the birth of Ralphie,” Lynn said. “It’s a remarkable return to rugby, let alone the Test match arena, and Butch’s diligence and desire to wear the red of Wales again has been an inspiration to all of us.”
Lynn is without his regular captain Kate Williams due to injury, with fellow flanker Bethan Lewis skippering the side instead. Bronwen Metcalfe is set for her first start of the campaign in the back row as Wales face a daunting task against a side on a 35-match winning run.
Having finished bottom of the table in the last two years, Lynn’s side have been beaten by Scotland and France already in this Six Nations, but the former Gloucester-Hartpury boss is confident his team can test the Red Roses. “We are under no illusions of the challenge we face against the Red Roses,” Lynn said. “We are playing the world champions and grand slam champions in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate.”
Wales face England in Bristol on Saturday 25 April at 2.15pm BST.
