My Wales Nations Championship Team – Summer 2026
With the Nations Championship on the horizon, Wales will look to build upon their much improved showing towards the end of the Six Nations amid regional uncertainty in an all-new competition. Faced with the strongest teams in the Southern Hemisphere, this will present a considerable challenge given how comfortably South Africa and Argentina defeated them in the Autumn, but it presents an exciting opportunity to show how much the squad has improved since then under Tandy. While most of these fixtures are likely too much for Wales in their current state, they will target home wins over Fiji, Japan, and Australia, who have their own struggles to exploit.
Being the first of its kind, it’s difficult to predict what exactly Tandy will opt to do with his initial draft. To those unaware, the Nations Championship will run in two separate blocks; one in July, the other in November. Most teams seem to be assembling training squads of over 40 players (even Fiji, the only tier 2 nation in the tournament, has a 45 man training squad), and then narrowing them down to travel. Wales will likely do something similar; a training squad of around 42-45, then a final travelling team to take on Argentina and South Africa in the summer before tweaks are made for the Autumn.
There’s also a Barbarians fixture just before the tournament begins, which falls outside of the international window. As a result, extra players will be fielded to accommodate this, and it can serve as an extra audition for home-based players to stake their claim for the travelling squad.
With all that said, I’ll be discussing my picks for the summer block of the 2026 Nations Championship.
PROP
Props are simultaneously well-established, but depth remains a concern. On the loosehead side, Nicky Smith and Rhys Carré are sure to travel, as they remain two of PREM rugby’s most reliable props; the latter is more likely to start, given his excellent Six Nations form, but they’re similarly effective. On the other side, Tomas Francis has also been an excellent scrummager, massively improving the consistency of Wales’ setpiece, while Kieron Assiratti returns from injury and will look to continue his form from the Autumn. His results for Cardiff have been shaky, but he’s usually better on the international field.
The Barbarians fixture complicates things, however, as both of Wales’ starting props are based outside of Wales, and there’s been little development given to other players beneath them. Gareth Thomas is a safe bet, as despite his inconsistent form, he is a proven international and solid scrummager. Danny Southworth travelled with the squad in the Autumn, but has been usurped by the younger Rhys Barratt for Cardiff. Barratt has the most consistent scrummaging record of the remaining looseheads, and makes a lot more tackles than any of them, though Kemsley Mathias and Garyn Phillips have had strong moments of their own.
On the tighthead side, Archie Griffin won’t be available for the Barbarians game, but has been a constant when fit. His form may limit his gametime, but since returning from injury, Christian Coleman has performed very well for the Dragons in Europe. Adam Jones has noted his international potential before, though he has yet to prove this in his two appearances so far. Ben Warren of the Ospreys is also a strong carrier and scrummager, while Sam Wainwright could return after being recalled in the Six Nations.
Against a scrum as powerful as South Africa, the front row will need to be at their best. Any selection of the aforementioned props will be justified.
My Choices: Nicky Smith, Rhys Carré, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Barratt, Tomas Francis, Kieron Assiratti, Christian Coleman, Archie Griffin
Injury Cover: Danny Southworth, Ben Warren
HOOKER
Inconveniently, Dewi Lake has undergone surgery for his shoulder injury and is unlikely to tour, at least initially. This at least gives Tandy the chance to look into Wales’ depth beneath that, especially with both Ryan Elias and Elliot Dee available and playing well. Their experience will be extremely valuable against the world-class set pieces of the Southern Hemisphere, though Elias is likely ahead in the pecking order after a strong Six Nations showing and his much improved lineout darts.
A space may be saved for Lake’s return, so one more hooker is reasonable. Liam Belcher was this man in the Six Nations, but his lineout darts have been inconsistent for Cardiff and Elliot Dee shares a lot of his strengths, so he may be deemed excess resources. Brodie Coghlan, meanwhile, is very strong for his age and is also very active in the loose. He didn’t leave the biggest impression in the Autumn, but having returned from injury and helped the Dragons reach a European semi-final, he looks the more reliable option.
My Choices: Ryan Elias, Elliot Dee, Brodie Coghlan
Injury Cover: Liam Belcher
LOCK
This feels like a problem position, as most of Wales’ locks are based outside the country and not all of them are fit or in great form. Dafydd Jenkins and Ben Carter are excellent, however, managing an exceptional workrate with good leadership and lineout work, while still being large enough to carry into contact. Adding to that, Rhys Davies adds even more ballast in physical confrontations, and has had a solid season with the Ospreys.
If Teddy Williams was fit, those four would form a well-balanced and exciting combination, but with him missing out, Adam Beard is likely being retained for his lineout management and experience. His Six Nations performance was poor, but Montpellier are achieving great things in the TOP14 and Challenge Cup and he regularly plays 80 minutes for them. The options underneath him have less to work with by comparison.
Freddie Thomas was part of the Six Nations squad and is probably the best alternative to Beard, though having been part of the squad since Autumn 2024, his impact hasn’t really been felt. James Fender and Seb Davies play similar roles to Beard, but their recall would be surprising, as would the recently recovered Christ Tshiunza. James Ratti, meanwhile has been in much stronger form for the Ospreys, though mostly at blindside flanker. Still, Tandy and Sherrat have deployed him at lock, and his versatility could earn him a bench spot for the Barbarians test.
My Choices: Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Rhys Davies, Freddie Thomas, James Ratti
Injury Cover: Adam Beard, Christ Tshiunza
BACK ROW
Jac is Back! As one Welsh captain leaves, another enters. While the combo of Alex Mann, James Botham, and Aaron Wainwright worked wonders towards the end of the Six Nations, only Waino is really a match for Jac’s world-class qualities. Those four in combination are a balanced set that can challenge opposing breakdowns and set the physical tone for the rest of the squad, and the remaining picks will mostly be players who can synergise or cover in the case of injuries.
Firstly, though his disciplinary weaknesses are well-documented, Taine Plumtree comfortably fits in due to his versatility and dynamism. He shouldn’t start, but Wales have struggled to make good use of their bench and Plumtree is a prime candidate to explore that option. Also being retained from the Six Nations, Ryan Woodman has continued his strong form and could surpass Alex Mann at blindside in the future given his larger size and stronger carrying game. He also adds extra cover at lock, as Wales-based locks will be needed for the Barbarians game.
As for the remaining 3 spaces, some 8 cover will be needed. Olly Cracknell remains in strong form for Leicester and played well against Japan, but otherwise hasn’t been too noteworthy, and with Wainwright joining the Tigers in September, his continued place in their starting squad isn’t guaranteed. Taulupe Faletau is once again injured, so new faces may be warranted. Alun Lawrence and Morgan Morris continue to excel for their clubs, with the former being more of a lineout presence and tackle machine while the latter does more work at the breakdown. At their best, they match each other well, and are a fair bit younger than Cracknell. Morgan Morse is an even younger option with a big future, but has played a lot less rugby for the Ospreys as of late following Morris’ return.
If a third 7 is needed, Josh Macleod is a safe bet given his jackaling skills, though Tommy Reffell and Taine Basham are in strong form too and would deserve a recall at some point. Dan Thomas has also played some great rugby for Cardiff lately, but lacks the versatility of the above options. Ross Moriarty would be a more experienced option at 6 or 8, but has fallen off a little towards the end of the season.
My Choices: Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Mann, James Botham, Taine Plumtree, Ryan Woodman, Morgan Morris, Olly Cracknell
Injury Cover: Josh Macleod, Alun Lawrence, Ross Moriarty
SCRUM-HALF
This is simple; Tomos Williams has picked up a shoulder injury in Gloucester’s win over Sale, but is expected to be fit and available for international duty. Kieran Hardy and Reuben Morgan-Williams remain solid deputies, and Che Hope will miss the international season with injury. Should Tomos’ condition not improve in time, Dane Blacker has played very well for the Scarlets in Gareth Davies’ absence, and seems the most likely to upset the pecking order.
FLY-HALF
Dan Edwards signed off a mixed Six Nations campaign with an exceptional performance against Italy, and looks primed to be the starting fly-half for this tour. His only real competition, Sam Costelow, has been injured and is expected to miss out, though will likely return for the summer. Frustratingly for Tandy, Jarrod Evans is also injured, disrupting the 10-12 axis on the replacements bench that Wales have relied on since Warren Gatland left. Therefore, some big changes will have to be made.
Callum Sheedy is the clear next cab off the ranks in their absence. He’s one of Cardiff’s most important players, and his goal-kicking has improved considerably while his playmaking skills are as strong as ever. How much gametime he gets is down to Edwards’ form, but he’s a step above the competition in this position. Finally, while not primarily a fly-half, this is the perfect opportunity to cap Angus O’Brien. As we’ll cover later, fullback is a problem position for Wales, and his strong kicking game and leadership skills make him a leading candidate for the role, especially since Louis Rees-Zammit will miss the Barbarians game.
My Choices: Dan Edwards, Callum Sheedy, Angus O’Brien
Injury Cover: Ioan Lloyd
CENTRES
Joe Hawkins and Eddie James’ partnership was one of the biggest victories in selection in the Six Nations, and it would certainly be a surprise if Tandy dropped it all together. That said, there is a school of thought that James’ powerful carrying makes him a better 12 than 13, with a faster outside centre partnering him giving Wales a stronger attacking edge in the midfield.
If the former tactic is preferred, Ben Thomas may keep his spot despite a disappointing past two campaigns. His form remains strong at Cardiff, though he can’t physically impact the game like Hawkins. Louie Hennessey is a much easier recall, as his form for Bath is consistently impressive despite his limited gametime, and he fits the mold of 23 people generally want to see outside of Eddie James.
Otherwise, Max Llewellyn’s return has yielded strong results for Gloucester so far, and is another contender for the 13 jersey. Joe Roberts and Macs Page have also out in good shifts for the Scarlets in the meantime, while Owen Watkin’s defensive skills were on show when the Ospreys clinched the Welsh shield.
My Choices: Joe Hawkins, Eddie James, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas
Injury Cover: Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin
OUTSIDE BACKS
Another of Wales’ deepest positions, though not without some concerns, as Ellis Mee and Mason Grady have sustained injuries and may not be available for selection. I’ll assume for the time being that they won’t be available. Josh Adams is likely to retain his spot given his Six Nations consistency and experience, though from there its anyone’s guess who will come in on the wings.
Rio Dyer has been one of the form wingers in Wales this season, and having missed out on opportunities throughout the year, this seems like the right time to give him a second chance. Tom Rogers has been less consistent, but his international credentials are proven. Whether he plays on the wing or at fullback is a bigger question, as signing for the Ospreys in Jack Walsh’ absence suggests the latter is his future at club level. Despite his disappointing Six Nations, Gabriel Hamer-Webb has done a lot for Leicester in the meantime, becoming one of few players to score 5 tries in a single game against Newcastle. While still firmly their 3rd choice on the wing, he’s done enough to earn a recall.
As for fullback, it’s tough to tell if Louis Rees-Zammit will continue to stay here. He’s certainly a devastating counterattacker and gets more touches on the ball, but likes the finer points to his game that more dedicated fullbacks like Blair Murray or Cameron Winnett possess. O’Brien also might challenge for this role, especially if Wales choose a kick-heavy strategy. Finally, Jacob Beetham has been in excellent form for Cardiff, has the versatility to cover most of the backline, and has all the basic fundamentals of an international player despite his limited caps. If a utility back is needed, Beetham is one of the leading candidates.
For the final pick, Blair Murray and Cam Winnett are mostly evenly matched, but the former is more versatile and has been more consistent this season, while Winnett’s form has fluctuated a lot more.
My Choices: Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Tom Rogers, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Louis Rees-Zammit, Jacob Beetham, Blair Murray
Injury Cover: Keelan Giles, Cameron Winnett
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