Wales include Hughes in squad for Spanish camp

Boss Wilkinson says midfielder committed despite Australia cap

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WALES have named Melbourne City midfielder Laura Hughes, who has been capped once by Australia, in their squad for the upcoming international camp in Spain.

Hughes, whose mother is from Gwent, is called up by Wales for the first time despite featuring in a friendly for the Matildas in December 2024.

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson says Hughes is "a really exciting player" who Wales have been monitoring "for a little while".

"I think she's a midfielder who can really bring a bit of bite," Wilkinson added. "She's got some great vision on the ball as well, so [we are] looking forward to integrating her and giving her this opportunity to show what she can give us."

Wales will face Switzerland in a friendly on Tuesday, December 2 at El Chapin Stadium in Jerez de la Frontera.

Wilkinson's team will also play a friendly next Friday at Malaga's Football Foundation Centre, but their opponents are still to be confirmed.

Hughes, 24, made her professional debut as a 15-year-old for home-city club Canberra United.

She had a spell playing in Iceland before returning to Canberra, then played briefly for Manly United prior to a move to A-League Women side Melbourne in 2023.

Her solitary international appearance came as a substitute in a 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, but she is eligible to switch allegiances to Wales because that was not a competitive game.

Wilkinson says Hughes has now committed to representing Wales rather than Australia.