The Welsh Rugby Union can confirm flanker Kate Williams will captain Wales for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations campaign.
Swansea-born Williams was appointed Wales co-captain alongside Alex Callender for the two-Test series against Australia and the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Co-captain Callender and Wales full back Nel Metcalfe have both been ruled out of the 2026 Guinness W6N campaign.
Williams, who made her Wales debut against Ireland in 2023, will lead the side for the championship opener against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, April 11th (KO:4.40pm).
Backrower Callender has suffered an ankle injury, while Metcalfe has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Callender, 25, led Wales to a first historic win on Australian soil against the Wallaroos in the summer, while Metcalfe crossed for two tries in the 21-12 win in Brisbane.
Metcalfe, 21, scored a hat-trick of her tries for her club at the start of February and has become a mainstay for the Wales national senior squad.
Sean Lynn, Wales Head coach, said: “Kate Williams has the respect of the whole squad, and her leadership skills means she will be Wales captain for this Six Nations campaign.
“This is disappointing injury news for the squad and for both Al Cal and Nel ahead of the Six Nations, but they will have the best medical and rehab care to get them back playing.
“Al Cal has been a real leader for the squad and Nel has been one of the form players for Wales and her club in the PWR.
“This does mean there is an opportunity for players to step up and stake a claim for a place in the Wales squad for the Women’s Six Nations. We have seen players really put their hands up for selection during the Celtic Challenge and the PWR.”
Both Callender (ankle) and Metcalfe (knee) will be sideline for 12 weeks with their respective injuries.