Head coach Sean Lynn admits Wales are far from the finished product but says he has been hugely encouraged by their WXV showings.

An eight-try mauling of South Africa in Cardiff and two Test wins out in Japan saw Wales finish World Rugby's new Global Series on a high.

Only a narrow two-point defeat by USA - a team ranked in the world's top six - prevented a clean sweep.

It marks quite the transformation for Lynn's side who had been on a nine-Test losing streak prior to the tournament and slumped to an all-time low world ranking of 13th.

"Twelve months ago we didn't win a game in the World Cup. We've worked so hard as a group of players and staff and we've come into this WXV with three out of four wins," said Lynn.

"Are we the finished product? No we're not, but we're seeing the bigger picture of that roadmap to the 2029 World Cup.

"There are areas that we need to be looking at and the players now need to go back to the PWR [Premiership Women's Rugby] and Celtic Challenge because we're still looking to move that dial.

"But I can't fault the effort from players and staff, it's been a really intense 11 weeks."

Wales' transformation began with a brutal pre-season during which Lynn secured the permanent services of assistant coaches Ashley Beck and Steve Salvin.

That, along with Tyrone Holmes' growing impact as defence coach and the introduction of strength and conditioning specialist Gareth Harris, gave Wales some much-needed stability.

"We've all been really specific about what we want to do. We've established a DNA and I'm really proud of all the hard work - physical and mental - that not just the players have put in, but also the staff," said Wales co-captain Kate Williams.

"It's competitive within the team and that's showing on the pitch as well against other teams."

Lynn has capped 12 new players during his 18 months in charge and in doing so has unearthed gems such as Seren Lockwood, Branwen Metcalfe, Freya Bell and Amy Williams.

"It's super important that we are always watching. Amy Williams for instance, what I saw of her at Cardiff Met and Brython Thunder, I really liked," he said.

"She's very brave, likes to get the ball in her hands and always wants to beat that first defender. Individuals like her and Freya Bell have been like ducks to water coming into the international arena and I believe there are more out there.

"The senior players are now having that competitive edge in the squad, and they know that the jersey is not theirs."

Lynn has shown he is not afraid to make big selection calls and has backed the youngsters all summer, with the first glimpse of his new-look side coming in the 34-17 victory over Barbarians.

While Lynn has enjoyed success with fresh blood, it remains unclear as to which is his preferred half-back partnership after experimenting with a few different combinations.

Kayleigh Powell went well at 10 alongside Lockwood against the Barbarians, but a hamstring injury ruled her out of the entire WXV campaign.

Keira Bevan - usually a scrum-half - played 10 against South Africa and Wales looked much better in attack when keeping ball in hand. But a head injury suffered by Lockwood meant we only saw about 30 minutes of that duo.

Lleucu George started at fly-half against USA and in the second Japan Test, with Wales reverting back to a kicking and territorial game.

Hopefully one pair will have a run of games during the 2027 Six Nations, allowing Wales to finally gain some continuity in such pivotal positions.

Not that they needed any extra incentives, but next year's historic women's British and Irish Lions tour would certainly have been in the back of players' minds heading into WXV.

Lions head coach Jo Yapp was at Cardiff Arms Park for Wales' demolition of the Springboks and also attended a training session.

And while the bulk of the team is still likely to be made of England's World Cup-winning stars, there are some Wales players who have put their hand up.

Wales co-captain Alex Callender has been colossal. After missing the Six Nations through injury, the feisty flanker has exploded back onto the international scene, leading from the front with tackles and turnovers.

Prop Sisilia Tuipulotu is also back to her best. She is by far Wales' best ball carrier and has proven very difficult to stop having racked up four tries this autumn.

Bevan has showed Yapp a versatility in being able to play in both half-back positions, although her showing in the first Japan Test was a lot less convincing than against South Africa.

And then if you consider potential bolters, scrum-half Lockwood should be in the conversation. She has an international maturity well beyond her 20 years, is a huge threat at the breakdown and has a good eye for the try-line. She also looks equally as comfortable when moved out to the wing.

Wales have not won a Six Nations game since edging Italy in the final round of the 2024 championship.

An even though they open the 2027 edition against reigning champions England, they will surely take some confidence from their upturn in results.

"I know it's a long way away and a lot can happen, but for us going into the Six Nations and not actually starting against Scotland [which Wales have done for the past three years] is exciting," said Lynn.

"We've got the Red Roses coming to the Principality, it's huge for players and staff."

Until then, Lynn and his staff will be keeping a watchful eye on the domestic leagues, which Callender says players head back to with "confidence".

Reflecting on the year a whole, she said: "It's always a privilege to be able to wear the jersey and I'm just so proud of the girls.

"It's been a roller coaster, but it's all part of the sport isn't it?"

Let's hope the ride in 2027 will be just as enjoyable, with more ups than downs.