Steve Tandy Names 38-Man Squad

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named his 38-man squad for the 2026 Six Nations Championship, bringing back veteran prop Tomas Francis, giving a debut to Leicester wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb, and including Bath centre Louie Hennessey. The squad also features several returning players from last autumn’s internationals, while some notable absentees highlight ongoing injury concerns.

Key Returns and Uncapped Players

Tomas Francis, 33, returns to the Wales squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina in Marseille. Francis, who has earned 77 caps for Wales, has played in three World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023) and was part of the teams that won the Six Nations titles in 2019 and 2021.

Joining him are two uncapped players:

• Gabriel Hamer-Webb (25), a wing who recently moved from Cardiff to Leicester Tigers. He qualifies for Wales through his mother, despite having played age-grade rugby for England.
• Louie Hennessey, a Bath centre who was involved in last autumn’s camp but has yet to earn his first cap.

Returning players also include Josh Macleod, Sam Costelow, James Botham, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, and Ryan Elias, reinforcing the squad’s blend of experience and youth.

Leadership and Injuries

With flanker Jac Morgan sidelined due to injury, hooker Dewi Lake has been named captain once again. Lake, representing Ospreys, led the side impressively in autumn and is expected to continue providing strong leadership.

Other injury concerns include number eight Taulupe Faletau and centre Max Llewellyn, who will miss the opening rounds of the tournament. Despite these absences, Tandy emphasized the squad’s depth and competition for places as a “real positive” for Wales moving into the championship.

Club Representation and Squad Balance

The 38-man squad features a mix of domestic and overseas-based players. There are 13 English and French-based players, alongside 14 from Cardiff and Ospreys, highlighting the strength of Welsh domestic rugby amid ongoing discussions about a potential merger between the two clubs.

Tandy described the squad as having a “good blend” and stressed the importance of building on the foundations established during last autumn’s internationals. “I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations… and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group,” he said.

Wales’ Tight-Head Prop Options

Wales have struggled to replace Francis in the tight-head prop position over recent seasons. The squad now includes three options: Tomas Francis, Keiron Assiratti, and Archie Griffin. Francis will join Sale Sharks from French second division team Provence for the 2026-27 season, aiming to play in his fourth World Cup in Australia next year.

Squad Ahead of Six Nations Opener

Wales will link up next week in preparation for their Six Nations opener away against England on Saturday, 7 February. The team is seeking to improve on a challenging run in the tournament, having lost the last 11 matches, with their most recent victory against Italy in March 2023.

Wales’ 2026 Six Nations Squad

Forwards (20): Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, captain), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).

Backs (18): Josh Adams (Cardiff), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Eddie James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).

Looking Ahead

With a mix of experience and fresh talent, Wales aim to challenge for Six Nations glory and build momentum ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The inclusion of players like Francis, Hamer-Webb, and Hennessey underscores Tandy’s strategy of blending proven performers with emerging talent.