Wales prop Keiron Assiratti will miss the 2026 Six Nations after suffering a calf injury, with Cardiff teammate Sam Wainwright drafted into the squad.
Assiratti, 28, sustained the injury during Cardiff’s 17-8 United Rugby Championship (URC) win over Benetton on Saturday.
Wainwright, 27, has four caps to his name, all earned as a replacement in 2022, with his last appearance coming in the 13-12 defeat by Georgia in Cardiff.
Joining them in the tight-head options are Provence prop Tomas Francis, who returns to international rugby for the first time since 2023, and Bath’s Archie Griffin.
“It’s disappointing for Keiron, but it gives an opportunity for Sam, and we’re delighted for him to join the group,” said Wales head coach Steve Tandy.
Injury issues continue to affect the squad, with Dragons duo Dillon Lewis and Chris Coleman sidelined, while Scarlets prop Henry Thomas has not been included. Captain Jac Morgan, Cardiff number eight Taulupe Faletau, Exeter lock Christ Tshiunza, and Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn are also unavailable through injury.
Wales will kick off their Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 7 February, before concluding the tournament at home to Italy on 14 March.
Wales squad for the 2026 Six Nations
Forwards (20): Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, captain), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Sam Wainwright (Cardiff).
Backs (18): Josh Adams (Cardiff), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Eddie James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).
