Wales headed into the global tournament with hope after an excellent win against the Wallaroos in Brisbane, even though they were thrashed in Sydney the following weekend.

But Lynn, who coached Gloucester-Hartpury to three Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) titles before leaving to lead his country, wants his players to get more club game-time following Wales’ World Cup disappointment.

Players who are contracted by the Welsh Rugby Union and are not getting minutes with their English side will get the chance to play in Wales.

“The Celtic Challenge is key for us and we have to be strategic about how Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning provides game-time for our players,” said Lynn, who was given some hope by the young talent in his squad.

“We need players to be regular playing rugby and not just training, so that means if they do not play for an English club, we want them to play in the Celtic Challenge.

“There is no substitute for playing regular games at the highest level possible and that will mean we will have players battle-hardened and ready for the Six Nations.”