As the 2026 Six Nations approaches, Wales head coach Steve Tandy is shaking things up, introducing fresh faces Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Louie Hennessey to the international stage. Leading the charge will be Dewi Lake, stepping up as captain in a squad that boasts a hearty mix of youth and experience. The selection reveals a strategic blend, aimed at dynamic gameplay and robust team synergy, as Wales gears up for a fierce competition.
The team, rich with 877 caps spread across 38 players, sees the return of Tomas Francis, the powerhouse from Provence Rugby, marking his first appearance since the 2023 World Cup. The squad's average age sits at 26.5 years, suggesting a prime blend of vigor and maturity. Players such as James Botham, Sam Costelow, and Ryan Elias also make the list, promising a season of intense rugby action.
"We have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can’t wait for us to assemble next week,"
Tandy expressed, highlighting the mix of adjustments and continuity in the team composition.
The excitement within the camp is palpable, as Tandy adds,
"I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group."
With Jac Morgan sidelined due to injury, Dewi Lake's captaincy comes at a crucial time. Tandy is confident in Lake's leadership prowess, noting his exceptional performance and passion for Welsh rugby during the autumn games. The upcoming fixtures are set to test his mettle, starting with a challenging opener against England at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
Following their campaign start on February 7, Wales will host France and Scotland at the Principality Stadium, which, in accordance with Six Nations agreements, will have its roof closed for all home games. The team then faces Ireland in Dublin before wrapping up the tournament with a home game against Italy on March 14.
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, James Botham, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Olly Cracknell, Harri Deaves, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake (captain), Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady, Kieran Hardy, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Owen Watkin, Tomos Williams.
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As the 2026 Six Nations approaches, Wales head coach Steve Tandy is shaking things up, introducing fresh faces Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Louie Hennessey to the international stage. Leading the charge will be Dewi Lake, stepping up as captain in a squad that boasts a hearty mix of youth and experience. The selection reveals a strategic blend, aimed at dynamic gameplay and robust team synergy, as Wales gears up for a fierce competition.
The team, rich with 877 caps spread across 38 players, sees the return of Tomas Francis, the powerhouse from Provence Rugby, marking his first appearance since the 2023 World Cup. The squad's average age sits at 26.5 years, suggesting a prime blend of vigor and maturity. Players such as James Botham, Sam Costelow, and Ryan Elias also make the list, promising a season of intense rugby action.
"We have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can’t wait for us to assemble next week,"
Tandy expressed, highlighting the mix of adjustments and continuity in the team composition.The excitement within the camp is palpable, as Tandy adds,
"I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group."
With Jac Morgan sidelined due to injury, Dewi Lake's captaincy comes at a crucial time. Tandy is confident in Lake's leadership prowess, noting his exceptional performance and passion for Welsh rugby during the autumn games. The upcoming fixtures are set to test his mettle, starting with a challenging opener against England at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
Following their campaign start on February 7, Wales will host France and Scotland at the Principality Stadium, which, in accordance with Six Nations agreements, will have its roof closed for all home games. The team then faces Ireland in Dublin before wrapping up the tournament with a home game against Italy on March 14.
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, James Botham, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Olly Cracknell, Harri Deaves, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake (captain), Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady, Kieran Hardy, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Owen Watkin, Tomos Williams.