Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named his first squad for the Autumn Nations Series, revealing a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces as the national team prepares for a challenging slate of Tests.
Tandy, who took over from Warren Gatland earlier this year, has included five uncapped players in his debut squad. The former Ospreys coach will guide Wales as they face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa in what promises to be a stern autumn campaign.
The squad announcement comes shortly after the news that second-row forward Will Rowlands has retired from international rugby, leaving a notable vacancy in the pack.
However, there is a significant boost for Wales with the return of Saracens prop Rhys Carre. Carre, who had been previously deemed ineligible under the 25-cap rule, is back in the fold following confirmation from the Professional Rugby Board that he can now represent Wales once more. His inclusion will be a welcome sight for both the coaching staff and supporters.
Among the newcomers are Brodie Coghlan, Danny Southworth, James Fender, Morgan Morse, and Louie Hennessey. Notably, Ospreys back-rower Morgan Morse earns his first call-up after being repeatedly overlooked during Gatland’s tenure.
Several familiar faces have also returned, including Louis Rees-Zammit, Rhys Davies, Nick Tompkins, and Rio Dyer, alongside Carre. Jacob Beetham, Jarrod Evans, Joe Hawkins, Max Llewellyn, and Callum Sheedy also make the squad. Jac Morgan has been confirmed as captain for the autumn series, continuing his leadership role in the team.
Wales Squad for the Autumn Nations Series
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan*, Christian Coleman, Rhys Davies, Taulupe Faletau, James Fender*, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan (c), Morgan Morse*, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Danny Southworth*, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright
Backs: Josh Adams, Jacob Beetham, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Kieran Hardy, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey*, Max Llewellyn, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Tomos Williams
With a mix of youth, experience, and returning talent, Tandy’s first Wales squad promises both excitement and intrigue as the team prepares to take on some of the toughest opposition in world rugby.
