Tandy names first Wales Six Nations squad

Tandy names first Wales Six Nations squad

Wales senior men’s head coach Steve Tandy has named a 38-player Wales squad for 2026 Guinness Six Nations.

Dewi Lake will captain the 877-cap squad for the campaign.

Two uncapped players are selected among the 20 forwards and 18 backs named today: Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Bath Rugby centre Louie Hennessey. Tomas Francis is selected for Wales for the first time since Rugby World Cup 2023.

There are also call ups for James Botham, Sam Costelow, Ryan Elias, Josh Macleod, Mason Grady, Eddie James and Owen Watkin in a Wales squad that has an average age of 26 and a half.

Tandy said: “There are a few changes to the squad from the autumn, some due to injury but others are a sign of the competition there is and how many players we have in the mix which is a real positive. I think we have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can’t wait for us to assemble next week.

On the captaincy Tandy added: “Dewi is great man and so passionate about Wales which I think everyone can see. I thought he was outstanding in the way he led during the autumn, not only in the three games he was captain but also how he supported Jac prior to that. I know he will continue to do an amazing job in the role this Guinness Six Nations.”

Players will assemble in camp on Monday 26 January to begin preparations for the Championship.

Wales kicks off its Guinness Six Nations campaign at 4.40pm on Saturday 7 February away to England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The following weekend Wales returns to Cardiff to host France at Principality Stadium on Sunday 15 February, kick off 3.10pm.

In a new format to the Championship, Wales then face Scotland at home on Saturday 21 February, kick of 4.40pm, before a fallow week.

Wales then travel to Dublin to face Ireland at 8.10pm on Friday 6 March, before a week later returning back home to host Italy at 4.40pm in the middle fixture on ‘Super Saturday’ 14 March in the final round of the campaign.

As agreed with Six Nations and announced ahead of last year’s competition, Principality Stadium’s roof will close for all three of Wales’ home Guinness Six Nations fixtures in 2026.

WALES SQUAD FOR 2026 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS

Forwards (20) 

Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 19 caps)
Adam Beard (Montpellier – 61 caps)
Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby – 4 caps)
James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 18 caps)
Rhys Carre (Saracens – 23 caps)
Ben Carter (Dragons – 14 caps)
Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 2 caps)
Harri Deaves (Ospreys – 1 cap)
Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 44 caps)
Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 77 caps)
Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 11 caps)
Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 26 caps)
Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 26 caps) captain
Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 11 caps)
Josh Macleod (Scarlets – 4 caps)
Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 11 caps)
Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 58 caps)
Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 44 caps)
Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 7 caps)
Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 62 caps)

Backs (18)

Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 65 caps)
Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 19 caps)
Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 7 caps)
Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 14 caps)
Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 28 caps)
Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester Tigers – uncapped)
Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 7 caps)
Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby – uncapped / heb gap)
Eddie James (Scarlets – 4 caps)
Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 4 caps)
Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys – 2 caps)
Blair Murray (Scarlets – 14 caps)
Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 35 caps)
Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 13 caps)
Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 43 caps)
Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 67 caps)



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