Wales captain Kate Williams will miss the remainder of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations with the leg injury that forced her to sit out Saturday’s defeat by England.
Wing Catherine Richards has also been ruled out of the final games against Ireland and Italy with a serious knee injury.
Flanker Bethan Lewis, who led Wales at Ashton Gate in Williams’ absence, will lead the side for the final two rounds.
However there was some positive news with experienced centres Hannah Dallavalle and Carys Cox both set to return for the trip to Belfast on 9 May.
Dallavalle was a late withdrawal from the 62-24 defeat by the Red Roses while Cox has recovered from a knock in training.
Back-row Williams came off in the second half of the 38-7 defeat by the French, adding to head coach Sean Lynn’s growing injury concerns with flanker Alex Callender already ruled out of the tournament.
Lynn has added two under-21 players to his squad in centre Freya Bell – who made her senior debut as a replacement against England – and full-back Amy Williams.
Wales have lost their past eight games in the Six Nations.
