Nine Scarlets have been named in Steve Tandy’s 38-man Wales squad for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations.
Eddie James’s impressive form since returning from a back injury has earned him a recall, so too hooker Ryan Elias, who was absent from the Autumn Series because of a torn bicep.
Joe Hawkins, Tom Rogers, Taine Plumtree, Ellis Mee and Blair Murray are again included, along with Scarlets skipper Josh Macleod – another who sat out the autumn because of injury.
There is also a recall for fly-half Sam Costelow, who made a seamless return to action against Northampton Saints in the Investec Champions Cup last weekend.
Two uncapped players are selected among the 20 forwards and 18 backs named – Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Bath centre Louie Hennessey. Dewi Lake has been awarded the captaincy.
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.”
Meanwhile, former Scarlets fly-half Rhys Patchell will resume responsibility for kicking as skills coach, with Duncan Jones and Dan Lydiate also returning as part of the back-room team.
Players will assemble in camp on Monday, January 26 to begin preparations for the Championship.
WALES SQUAD FOR 2026 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS | CARFAN CYMRU AR GYFER CHWE GWLAD GUINNESS 2026
Forwards (20)
Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 19 caps), Adam Beard (Montpellier – 61 caps), Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 4 caps), James Botham (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 18 caps), Rhys Carre (Saracens / Saraseniaid – 23 caps), Ben Carter (Dragons / Dreigiau – 14 caps), Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers / Caerlŷr – 2 caps), Harri Deaves (Ospreys / Gweilch – 1 cap), Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 44 caps), Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 77 caps), Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby / Caerfaddon – 11 caps), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs / Caerwysg – 26 caps), Dewi Lake (Ospreys / Gweilch – 26 caps) captain / capten, Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 11 caps), Josh Macleod (Scarlets – 4 caps), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 11 caps), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers / Caerlŷr – 58 caps), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys / Gweilch – 44 caps), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby / Caerloyw – 7 caps), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons / Dreigiau – 62 caps)
Backs (18)
Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 65 caps), Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 19 caps), Dan Edwards (Ospreys / Gweilch – 7 caps), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 14 caps), Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 15 caps), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys / Gweilch – 28 caps), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester Tigers / Caerlŷr – uncapped / heb gap), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 7 caps), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby / Caerfaddon – uncapped / heb gap), Eddie James (Scarlets – 4 caps), Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 4 caps), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys / Gweilch – 2 caps), Blair Murray (Scarlets – 14 caps), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears / Bryste – 35 caps), Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 13 caps), Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 17 caps), Owen Watkin (Ospreys / Gweilch – 43 caps), Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby / Caerloyw – 67 caps).