Former Wales rugby captain Ken Owens is considering making the leap from the pitch to politics, with a potential run for Labour in the 2026 Senedd election.
The 38-year-old, who hails from Carmarthen, is understood to be exploring the possibility of standing in the newly formed Sir Gaerfyrddin constituency—an area covering much of Carmarthenshire and comprising parts of the former Llanelli and Caerfyrddin seats.
Labour currently lacks a lead candidate in the constituency following announcements from Llanelli MS Lee Waters and Mid and West Wales MS Joyce Watson, both of whom will stand down ahead of the vote. With the party under increasing pressure from Reform and Plaid Cymru, the selection of candidates for winnable seats is more critical than ever.
A long-time supporter of Labour, Owens appeared on stage with party leader Keir Starmer and First Minister Eluned Morgan during a campaign rally in Carmarthenshire on the eve of last year’s general election. His potential candidacy would bring not only a recognisable face but also a voice with experience navigating high-pressure negotiations.
Owens earned 91 caps for Wales and featured in five tests for the British and Irish Lions over a distinguished international rugby career. But his leadership extended far beyond the field. During his stint as Wales captain in 2023, he was widely credited with playing a “pivotal” role in preventing a players’ strike amidst a bitter contract dispute between the national squad and the Welsh Rugby Union. His behind-the-scenes efforts were said to have been crucial in ensuring the Six Nations clash against England went ahead as planned.
Speaking candidly at the time, Owens described the situation as making Wales “the laughing stock of world rugby”, a comment that reflected both his frustration and his commitment to improving the game’s governance in Wales.
Beyond sport, Owens has already been recognised for his cultural contributions. In 2019, he was honoured by the Gorsedd of the Bards at the National Eisteddfod, alongside team-mate Jonathan Davies, for his role in enriching Welsh life and culture.
Should Owens decide to stand, he’ll need to secure a top spot on Labour’s regional list to stand a genuine chance of election. Under the new system being introduced for the 2026 Senedd election, Wales will be divided into 16 larger constituencies—each returning six Members of the Senedd. Voters will cast a single ballot for their preferred party, and each party can rank up to eight candidates per area.
With Labour aiming for one or two seats in Sir Gaerfyrddin, Owens would need to be listed first or second to have a realistic shot at winning a seat.
Labour has dominated the Senedd since devolution began in 1999, always holding the position of First Minister. But recent polling suggests the party’s dominance is under genuine threat, with Reform and Plaid Cymru now polling neck and neck with them.
If Owens seeks advice on swapping the rugby field for the political arena, he need look no further than across the Loughor estuary. Gower’s Labour MP, Tonia Antoniazzi, is also a former Wales international, having successfully made the same transition from sport to politics.
Owens made his international debut in 2011 during Wales’ 81–7 World Cup victory over Namibia in New Zealand. Now, more than a decade later, he may be preparing to tackle a very different kind of challenge.
