Head coach Sean Lynn says he is seeing positives from Wales' performance despite a narrow defeat to the United States in the WXV competition.
Wales face the United States at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, with both sides seeking to back up impressive opening-round wins.
Saracens overcame a second-half red card for Nick Isiekwe to begin the Brendan Venter era with a narrow victory at Leicester.
Sean Lynn's rebuilt Wales side leaves fans with reasons for optimism ahead of next month's trip to Japan, despite another loss.
Australia held on for a remarkable win over a much-changed South Africa side after being reduced to as few as 11 players during the match.
Cardiff defeated fellow Welsh side Scarlets in Llanelli to begin the new United Rugby Championship campaign with a derby victory.
A last-gasp try from Zoe Harrison sealed a narrow win for England over New Zealand, reflecting the rising competitiveness of the women's game.
England's women's team, the Red Roses, edged past New Zealand thanks to a late try from Zoe Harrison.
Bristol scored five tries in a 34-24 victory at Sale's CorpAcq Stadium.
Scotland suffer a third straight WXV Global Series defeat as Australia prove too strong in Edinburgh.
England's fly-half scored a dramatic late try, moments after missing a penalty, to beat New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium.
Gloucester scored seven tries to beat last season's Premiership runners-up 45-24 at Sandy Park.
A last-gasp try from Zoe Harrison saw England edge New Zealand's Black Ferns in the WXV Global Series, following back-to-back drawn results.
James Pater and Tommy Freeman each scored hat-tricks as Northampton beat Newcastle 59-26, according to the BBC.
The company behind the R360 all-star rugby project has been ordered to file overdue financial accounts or face being dissolved.
English rugby's top flight has rebounded with renewed confidence and fresh investment after a wave of club insolvencies.
Sisilia Tuipulotu names selection for next year's tour among her top rugby goals, according to BBC Sport.
England head coach John Mitchell said a draw with Canada will fuel "greater things to come" despite ending the world champions' record-breaking winning streak.
The Red Roses were held to a 26-26 draw by Canada in the WXV Global Series, ending a winning run dating back to the 2022 World Cup final.
England's extended unbeaten streak came to a close after a high-scoring draw with Canada at Sandy Park, according to BBC Sport.