Key clash against Spain for Wales in WXV play-offs

WALES will host Spain in their WXV play-off match at the Arms Park on June 29.

The winner of that match will qualify for WXV2 in South Africa this September, however the losing side will head out to Dubai for WXV3.

Ioan Cunningham’s side finished bottom of the table during the Six Nations earlier this year, while Spain qualified for the play-off after being crowned Rugby Europe Women’s champions.

They will be no pushovers, either. Spain were part of the Six Nations until 2006 and hammered Sweden 53-0 in their last outing. Indeed, the last time the two sides met in 2019, Spain emerged victorious with a 29-5 win.

Speaking about the clash, Cunningham said: “The squad, coaches and staff know how important this game is. Victory against Italy provides us with a platform to build on with the 2025 World Cup in England still very much the focus.

“One of the goals we have set ourselves is to build the depth and competition for places in the squad and we did that with six new caps getting a taste of Test match rugby during our last campaign.

“Spain have been one of the traditional benchmarks in our game and will travel to Wales full of confidence after their recent performances. We know they will be determined to make a statement against us at home in front of our own supporters at Cardiff Arms Park.”