With the 2026 Six Nations Championship just around the corner, Wales head coach Steve Tandy is preparing to name his first squad on Tuesday. Strong performances at club level, particularly in the Challenge Cup, have given several players a chance to impress and stake a claim for international selection.

As Wales gears up for the opening match against England on 7 February, BBC Sport Wales examines the winners and losers from the weekend’s action and assesses who might make Tandy’s squad.

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Dragons’ Stars Shine: Rio Dyer in Form

Rio Dyer, a Dragons wing and former Test regular, has been in exceptional form since being recalled for the autumn internationals. After being overlooked by Warren Gatland for last year’s Six Nations, Dyer is making a strong case for a place in Tandy’s squad.

His double against Newcastle Red Bulls brought his tally to four tries in five games, highlighting his finishing ability, strength, and confidence on the ball. If Tandy follows Bristol’s lead in moving Louis Rees-Zammit to full-back, a spot could open for Dyer on the wing.

“Rio’s got that X factor and when he is confident, he means business,” said Dragons captain Angus O’Brien.
“That’s what we need – beating people one-on-one and lighting things up.”

Other Dragons prospects include flanker Ryan Woodman and scrum-half Che Hope, while hooker Brodie Coghlan, returning from a hand injury, is competing for a backup role behind Dewi Lake.

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Ospreys’ Experience: Owen Watkin and Ross Moriarty

Ospreys may have suffered a defeat against Montpellier, but there were standout performances from centre Owen Watkin and back-rower Ross Moriarty.

Watkin, returning after a 10-month injury layoff, impressed with both attacking flair and defensive reads, making him a strong candidate for Wales selection, especially with Max Llewellyn sidelined.

“Owen has been really good on both sides of the ball,” said Ospreys coach Mark Jones.
“He scored a great try against Montpellier and is sharing his experience with young players.”

Moriarty, 31, returned to Wales last summer after a spell in France with Brive. While Wales have depth in the back row, his physicality and experience could provide balance in a squad mixing youth and veterans.

“You need experienced players around young players. Ross has a lot to offer,” Jones added.

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Injury Setbacks: Kane James and Jake Ball

For some hopefuls, injuries have delivered untimely blows. Kane James, Exeter Chiefs’ 20-year-old back-rower and 2024 World Rugby U20 Champion, suffered an ankle injury just 12 minutes into the Challenge Cup win against Cardiff. His Six Nations prospects may now hinge on a scan.

“He is an exceptional talent,” Exeter coach Haydn Thomas said.
“The important thing is to enjoy his rugby and focus on performing for Exeter.”

Veteran lock Jake Ball, 34, also faced a setback after being forced off early in Northampton Saints’ match with a head injury. Despite this, flanker Josh Macleod, hooker Ryan Elias, and wing Ellis Mee impressed with their work rate, keeping their international hopes alive.

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Fly-Half Options: Costelow Returns

The fly-half position is likely to be closely contested. Cardiff’s Ben Thomas and Scarlets’ Joe Hawkins offer versatility at 10, while Sam Costelow delivered a composed performance on his return from injury. Callum Sheedy also remains in contention, giving Tandy multiple options to balance experience and form.

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Other Notable Performances

• Mason Grady, Corey Domachowski, and James Botham have all returned from injury after missing the autumn internationals, providing depth in both the pack and backline.
• The Dragons’ Angus O’Brien continues to provide leadership and form at full-back, despite being 31.

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Summary: Winners and Losers

Winners:

• Rio Dyer – in-form wing with confidence and finishing ability
• Owen Watkin – returning from injury, defensive reads and attacking flair
• Ross Moriarty – experienced back-row option
• Sam Costelow – solid return at fly-half
• Mason Grady, Corey Domachowski, James Botham – returning from injury

Losers / Setbacks:

• Kane James – ankle injury may derail Six Nations hopes
• Jake Ball – head injury early in Challenge Cup match
• Some younger Cardiff players – limited opportunities to impress

Tandy now faces the task of balancing youth and experience while addressing injury concerns before announcing his first Six Nations squad. With Wales’ opener against England just weeks away, every performance counts in the final push for selection.