Wales Coach Steve Tandy Announces Squad Amid Professional Game Crisis
In a crucial announcement reflecting the current landscape of professional rugby, Wales Coach Steve Tandy has revealed the squad for the 2026 Six Nations Championship. The team is poised to tackle challenges amid ongoing issues facing the sport. The selection underscores Tandy’s commitment to fielding a competitive side with a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent.
Wales Squad Overview
The squad showcases a total of 38 players, comprising 20 forwards and 18 backs. Notably, Dewi Lake of the Ospreys has been named captain, leading a group that includes several internationals.
Forwards
- 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
- 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)
The Current Professional Game Crisis
The announcement of this squad comes at a time when the professional game faces significant challenges. Issues such as contract negotiations, player welfare, and financial sustainability are pressing concerns. The Welsh Rugby Union continues to navigate these complexities as the national team prepares for international fixtures.
As the Six Nations Championship approaches, Coach Tandy’s squad selection aims to inspire confidence and resilience in these turbulent times. Fans eagerly anticipate the team’s performance on the global stage, hopeful for a successful campaign ahead.
