Wales captain Callender excited by Baa-Baas bonus

Alex Callender fully intends to make the most of a "bonus" fixture when leading Wales out against the Barbarians on Saturday.

The influential back-row forward will captain Sean Lynn's side when they play the second fixture of the double-header at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, taking to the field at 17:00 BST after the men's game at 14:00 BST.

Callender will feature for Wales for the first time since last year's World Cup after an ankle injury forced her to miss the Six Nations.

"I put no pressure on myself to come back for a game," said Callender. "This would've been a bonus if fit, so I am looking forward to the weekend.

"I just want to go out there and enjoy it, I am putting no pressure on myself. Hopefully I can have a good run out and really enjoy the game with the girls."

Callender, who made her Wales debut in 2019, has endured a frustrating year with injury.

She suffered an ankle problem against Australia last August but recovered to be a member of the World Cup squad.

Callender played against Scotland and Fiji but missed the game against eventual runners-up Canada.

More time on the sidelines was followed by a match-winning try on her return for Harlequins, only for Callender to then suffer the blow that ruled her out of the Six Nations.

"It has been tough but it's part and parcel of the sport," said Callender, who will be a contender for the 2027 Lions tour to New Zealand fitness-permitting.

"Lynny was unbelievable with me throughout the Six Nations and I was in with the group, helping as much as possible."

That gave Callender the chance to take a good look at plenty of promising talent, such as flanker Jorja Aiono, in what was another disappointing campaign which ended with the Wooden Spoon.

Callender will provide some experience in a youthful squad against the Baa-Baas as Lynn and his coaches look towards the autumn WXV Global Series and beyond.

"It will be a mixed squad this weekend and that's so exciting for the future," said Callender.

"Having that development pathway will be good for strength in depth, which we have lacked in some positions over the years.

"It's going to be a great occasion. I've played at Twickenham once before with Harlequins and it's a great stadium to play at.

"It's a massive opportunity for us to showcase what we have been working on as a new group with lots of young players."

Wales have a break after the Baa-Baas game before WXV fixtures against South Africa and USA in September then two October Tests in Japan.