Alex Callender

Alex Callender currently plays as a flanker for the Wales women's rugby union team and Harlequins Women. She gained her first cap for Wales at the 2019 Six Nations Championship.

Born on 29 July 2000 in Carmarthen, Wales, Alex Callender began playing rugby in 2017—this was just two years before her international debut. Even then, she only started because some of her school friends invited her to a training session at the local rugby club.

A prodigiously talented flanker, Callender is also a skillful netball player. In fact, she previously competed at county level and she was selected for the Wales U21s team. However, she found it difficult to divide her time between both sports. As a result, Callender decided to step away from netball.

With her sights set on a career in rugby, Callender decided to try out for the Scarlets U18s side. She was accepted onto the team, competed at regionals and was quickly signed by the Wales sevens squad. She was soon called up by the Wales 15s side and she went on to compete at the Six Nations in 2019. Additionally, in December 2018, Callender joined Worcester Warriors Women.

Then, in 2022, Callender received a full-time contract with the Welsh team. She was subsequently named in the squad for the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup and she contested all four matches—Wales exited the competition during the quarter-finals.

Next, Callender showcased her skills at the 2022 and 2023 Six Nations tournaments. She played every game at both tournaments and she was named Player of the Match during both of their matches against Italy. 

Following her success, Callender transferred to the newly-formed Brython Thunder and captained the team at the 2024 Celtic Challenge. As the season came to an end, she signed to her current club: Harlequins Women.

As one of Wales' most exciting players, we'll be tuning in to watch Alex Callender's next match.