Bell ruled out of Wales’ second WXV Japan Test
Wales centre Freya Bell will miss the team’s final international of 2026 after injuring her knee against Japan. Her absence is a setback for Wales ahead of the second WXV Test, after she had impressed since making her senior debut earlier this year.
The 21-year-old was stretchered off in the 53rd minute of Wales’ 17-0 win in Tokyo last Saturday, following an awkward fall in a tackle. The Welsh Rugby Union said Bell is awaiting scan results, and doctors will assess the full extent of the injury when she returns home. She will fly back with the squad on Sunday.
In short
- Freya Bell is out of Wales’ second Test against Japan.
- She injured her knee during Saturday’s 17-0 win.
- The full extent of the injury is not yet known.
Explained simply
WXV is an international rugby competition for women’s national teams. Wales and Japan are meeting in a two-Test series, with the second match marking Wales’ final international of 2026.
Freya Bell is a young Wales centre, a position in the middle of the team’s back line. She made her senior debut this year and had become a regular part of the side, so her absence affects Wales’ options as they prepare to face Japan again.