Wales senior men’s head coach Steve Tandy has named a 38-player Wales squad for the 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.
“I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group.”
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.
Fans will be able to follow the 2026 Championship on BBC and ITV, who continue to share coverage in the UK, with Welsh-language coverage on S4C.
With tickets selling fast, secure your seat for Wales home matches now via www.wru.wales/tickets U18 and student tickets available from £23.
The Welsh Rugby Calendar is available here – fans can sync fixtures to their personal calendar and never miss a match.
NightWonka
France is one of the Six Nations Championship participants.
Pearl Girl
Although the Nelson is feared by some players, there is no solid evidence that it is actually inauspicious. Regardless, some people choose to take precautions. Umpire and former cricketer David Shepherd would lift one leg up when it is a bowler’s turn to run in to bowl and the score is at 111. Fans would cheer him on when he did this.