Wales rugby captain Kate Williams has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 Women's Six Nations due to a leg injury, leaving a significant gap in the squad's leadership and back-row options. The injury forced her to sit out last Saturday's defeat against England, and further assessment has confirmed she won't return for the final two rounds of the tournament.

In her absence, flanker Bethan Lewis—who stepped up to captain the side at Ashton Gate—will continue to lead Wales for the crucial matches against Ireland and Italy. It's a big responsibility for Lewis, especially with the team looking to bounce back after a tough start to the campaign.

There is some positive news on the injury front, though. Centre Hannah Dallavalle, who was a late scratch from the 62-24 loss to the Red Roses, is expected to return for the trip to Belfast on Saturday, 9 May. She'll likely be joined by fellow centre Carys Cox, who missed the defeat to France earlier this month after a training knock. Their return adds much-needed experience to the backline.

Williams' absence adds to head coach Sean Lynn's growing injury list. The back-rower had to leave the field in the second half of the 38-7 loss to France, and her leadership will be sorely missed. Additionally, co-captain Alex Callender is sidelined with an ankle problem, while wing Catherine Richards has been ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations with a serious knee injury. With Wales also falling to Scotland earlier in the tournament, Lynn is facing a real test of squad depth.

To bolster the roster, Lynn has called up two under-21 players: centre Freya Bell, who made her senior debut as a replacement against England, and full-back Amy Williams. It's a chance for these young talents to step up on the international stage—a silver lining in what's been a challenging campaign for Welsh women's rugby.