The winds of change are blowing through Welsh rugby as new head coach Steve Tandy unveils his inaugural squad for the high-stakes 2025 Autumn Nations Series, with fixtures lined up against global giants like Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Tandy’s selection, a blend of fresh faces and seasoned campaigners, totals 39 players and will see British and Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan donning the captain's armband.
Returning to the fold are second-rowers Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins after their hiatus for rest and surgery. Meanwhile, Tandy is injecting new blood with five uncapped talents including Dragons RFC hooker Brodie Coghlan, Ospreys' duo James Fender and Morgan Morse, Cardiff Rugby prop Danny Southworth, and Bath Rugby centre Louie Hennessey.
"It’s been really exciting going through the whole process and realizing how many good players we’ve got. We’ve got to the decision of the selection, which we are really happy with,"
Tandy expressed, highlighting the energizing mix of youth and experience.
The squad also sees the return of wing sensation Louis Rees-Zammit, alongside other notable names such as Rhys Carre, whose eligibility was recently confirmed by the Professional Rugby Board. As the team gears up, Tandy emphasized the importance of building unity and a clear identity ahead of their first camp.
"There’s a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well. But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday,"
Tandy added.
On the leadership front, Tandy reaffirmed his confidence in Morgan's capabilities, complimented by emerging leaders like Dewi Lake and Daf Jenkins. He remarked on Morgan's exceptional qualities both on and off the field and his potential to thrive further as a national captain.
The team's composition and Tandy’s strategic choices set the stage for an intriguing Autumn Nations Series, promising a fresh era for Welsh rugby under new stewardship.
Wales Squad for the Autumn Nations Series:
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan, Christian Coleman, Rhys Davies, Taulupe Faletau, James Fender, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morse, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Danny Southworth, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Josh Adams, Jacob Beetham, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Kieran Hardy, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Callum Sheedy, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Tomos Williams.
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The winds of change are blowing through Welsh rugby as new head coach Steve Tandy unveils his inaugural squad for the high-stakes 2025 Autumn Nations Series, with fixtures lined up against global giants like Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Tandy’s selection, a blend of fresh faces and seasoned campaigners, totals 39 players and will see British and Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan donning the captain's armband.
Returning to the fold are second-rowers Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins after their hiatus for rest and surgery. Meanwhile, Tandy is injecting new blood with five uncapped talents including Dragons RFC hooker Brodie Coghlan, Ospreys' duo James Fender and Morgan Morse, Cardiff Rugby prop Danny Southworth, and Bath Rugby centre Louie Hennessey.
"It’s been really exciting going through the whole process and realizing how many good players we’ve got. We’ve got to the decision of the selection, which we are really happy with,"
Tandy expressed, highlighting the energizing mix of youth and experience.The squad also sees the return of wing sensation Louis Rees-Zammit, alongside other notable names such as Rhys Carre, whose eligibility was recently confirmed by the Professional Rugby Board. As the team gears up, Tandy emphasized the importance of building unity and a clear identity ahead of their first camp.
"There’s a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well. But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday,"
Tandy added.On the leadership front, Tandy reaffirmed his confidence in Morgan's capabilities, complimented by emerging leaders like Dewi Lake and Daf Jenkins. He remarked on Morgan's exceptional qualities both on and off the field and his potential to thrive further as a national captain.
The team's composition and Tandy’s strategic choices set the stage for an intriguing Autumn Nations Series, promising a fresh era for Welsh rugby under new stewardship.
Wales Squad for the Autumn Nations Series:
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan, Christian Coleman, Rhys Davies, Taulupe Faletau, James Fender, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morse, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Danny Southworth, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Josh Adams, Jacob Beetham, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Kieran Hardy, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Callum Sheedy, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Tomos Williams.
Fixtures:
Sunday 9 November: Wales v Argentina, KO 3.10pm
Saturday 15 November: Wales v Japan,