Wales manager Steve Tandy has named his first Six Nations squad as Welsh rugby plunges into further uncertainty.
Tandy’s 38-man squad has been announced as domestic matches are once again in flux, with less than three weeks to go before the Championship opener against England at Allianz Stadium.
The Welsh Rugby Union has surprised fans across the country by proposing to cut one of its four professional men’s teams – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.
The WRU Board met on Monday to consider recommendations from the executive team regarding the sale of Cardiff Rugby.
Two consortia have submitted final bids, and the WRU said it “hopes to finalize detailed negotiations with the preferred bidder and sign a binding agreement in the coming weeks.”
Ospreys owner Y11 Sports & Media is understood to be the preferred bidder, which would effectively allow both teams to become one team.
Fourteen players were selected from the Blues and Ospreys, seven from each team, but captain Jack Morgan missed the opening game of the autumn series against Argentina in early November with a dislocated shoulder.
Dewi Lake to captain Wales in Six Nations with Jack Morgan out due to injury
Veteran No8 Taulupe Faletau is also out with a calf injury, while notable absentees include Callum Sheedy, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dier and Tommy Leffell.
Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake has been named captain for the season, while Provence prop Thomas Francis will be making his first appearance since the 2023 World Cup.
Uncapped Leicester winger Gabriel Hammer-Webb and Bath center Louis Hennessy are included, while Eddie James, James Botham, Josh McLeod, Mason Grady, Ryan Elias, Sam Costelow and Owen Watkin are recalled.
Tandy said, “There have been some changes to the team since the fall, some of which are due to injuries, but others are about the competition and how many players we have on the team, which is a really positive thing.”
“I think there is good harmony within the team again for this campaign and I can’t wait to get together next week.”
Wales squad for the 2026 Six Nations
Forward: Keyron Assilatti (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Lys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Ollie Cracknell (Leicester), Hari Deeves (Osprays), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Thomas Francis (Provence), Archie Guri Finn (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, captain), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh MacLeod (Scarlets), Tain Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Osprays), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs: Josh Adams (Cardiff), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Gabriel Hammer-Webb (Leicester), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louis Hennessy (Bath), Ede James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rodgers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).
Jones, Lydiate and Patchel return for Six Nations
Steve Tandy has strengthened his backroom team ahead of the Six Nations by securing the likes of former Wales internationals Duncan Jones, Dan Lydiate and Rhys Patchel.
All three were part of the Wales coaching team throughout last year’s autumn internationals and made a provisional return for the Six Nations.
Double Grand Slam winner Jones will act as scrum coach, Lydiate will focus on defence, and Patchel will join as skills coach with an emphasis on kicking.
Tandy said: “It’s great to have Duncan, Dan and Rhys back in the Guinness Six Nations. I’d also like to thank the Ospreys and Dragons for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to going into camp next week and building on the foundations we laid in the autumn.”
Six Nations schedule: Wales
7 February: England (a) 15 February: France (h) 21 February: Scotland (h) 6 March: Ireland (a) 14 March: Italy (h)
