**Wales Women’s Rugby Welcomes Ben Flower to Coaching Set-Up as Ospreys Lock Tipped for National Call-Up**
In a significant development for Welsh rugby, former rugby league professional Ben Flower has been recruited to the Wales Women’s coaching staff for their upcoming summer training programme. This move comes as the national side redoubles its efforts ahead of a demanding two-Test series in Australia and a much-anticipated campaign at the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Flower, now 37, boasts an impressive career both as a player and coach. Born in Cardiff, he has represented the Welsh-based Crusaders along with top Super League teams such as Wigan Warriors and Leigh Centurions. His decorated playing days saw him lifting the Challenge Cup, clinching three Super League titles, and even conquering the World Club Challenge with Wigan Warriors.
Internationally, Flower earned 17 caps for Wales’ rugby league side, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s foremost rugby exports. His transition into coaching has seen him take charge of the South Wales Jets and lend his expertise to the Wales Women’s side during the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Speaking as he re-joins the women’s team for an especially intense period, Flower said he feels honoured to once again contribute to the national cause. “Being involved with Wales is always a privilege,” he remarked, underlining the pride he takes in representing his country. “Having played at a World Cup as a player, I’m excited to help Wales prepare for another World Cup as a member of the coaching staff.”
Wales Women endured a difficult Six Nations earlier this year, losing all their matches. Head coach Sean Lynn is hopeful that Flower’s expertise, particularly in collision and physicality, will help address some of the shortcomings from their recent campaign. In welcoming Flower, Lynn explained, “Ben is a familiar face for many of these players. The review after the Women’s Six Nations identified collision work and physical dominance as areas requiring urgent improvement. Ben’s experience will be vital as we work to build strength on both sides of the ball.”
In other rugby news, Ospreys stalwart Adam Beard has thrown his support behind his teammate James Fender as a future Wales international. Although Fender, aged 23, was overlooked for the summer tour to Japan, his performances have not gone unnoticed. Known for his relentless defence and uncompromising style of play, Fender has been pivotal for the Ospreys, and many within Welsh rugby consider his omission a surprise.
Beard highlighted that Fender was under consideration for a call-up last season alongside Rhys Davies, another promising lock whose chances have been hampered by injury. “There are some quality second rows in Wales,” Beard stated. “James Ratti is currently in the squad, but Ospreys also have Rhys Davies and James Fender making significant progress. It’s only a matter of time for James – at just 23, he’s already made a mark with his impressive work rate, mastering the set piece, and learning every game.”
Looking beyond Wales, England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled a 36-strong training squad for the upcoming clash against a France XV. The extended squad features nine players from this weekend’s Premiership finalists Bath and Leicester, including the likes of Charlie Ewels, Ted Hill, and Ben Spencer. Interestingly, Bath’s Sam Underhill is recalled despite missing the final through suspension.
There are notable omissions too, with Saracens’ Charlie Bracken not featuring, even after being listed among 16 uncapped names in the original training group. The selection does not include any of Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad bound for Australia, keeping the focus firmly on emerging English talent.
The selected England squad is gearing up for a busy period, starting with Saturday’s fixture at Twickenham before heading into Test matches against the United States and Argentina. With a blend of experienced heads and fresh faces, Borthwick’s group demonstrates England’s commitment to broadening its player base ahead of future international competitions.
Both the developments in the Welsh women’s camp and the movement among England’s ranks underline an exciting summer on the horizon for British rugby. The coming weeks will provide ample opportunity for players and coaches alike to stake their claims and write new chapters in their sporting stories.