The future of Welsh rugby is looking bright, with head coach Steve Tandy naming an exciting blend of youth and experience in an extended 48-man squad for this summer's internationals. Among the headline names are six uncapped players, signaling a new era for the national team.
Exeter Chiefs back-rower Kane James and Harlequins centre Bryn Bradley are the most notable new faces, alongside Dragons back-row duo Ryan Woodman and Harrison Keddie, Cardiff Blues loose-head prop Rhys Barratt, and Ospreys tight-head Ben Warren. These fresh talents will be eager to make their mark on the international stage.
There's also a welcome return for several familiar names who missed the Six Nations through injury. British and Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan, Cardiff lock Teddy Williams, and centre Max Llewellyn are all back in the mix, adding serious firepower to the squad. Meanwhile, recalls for Dragons prop Dillon Lewis, Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell, Scarlets centre Joe Roberts, and Cardiff scrum-half Ellis Bevan provide valuable experience.
Notably, Wales will be without tight-head props Tomas Francis and Archie Griffin for the summer programme. Francis, who is set to join Sale Sharks from Provence, has been rested, while Bath's Griffin is undergoing surgery. There were also injury concerns over hooker Dewi Lake and Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow, but both have been named in the squad.
However, there's no room for Scarlets flanker Josh Macleod, Dragons trio Rio Dyer, Elliot Dee, and Brodie Coghlan, or Ospreys number eights Morgan Morris and Morgan Morse, highlighting the fierce competition for places.
No captain has been named yet for this extended squad. Jac Morgan has missed Wales' last eight internationals after suffering a shoulder injury against Argentina in November 2025, with Dewi Lake captaining the side in his absence.
The summer schedule is packed with four matches, starting with a warm-up game against the Barbarians at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on 27 June. That will be followed by three crucial Nations Championship matches against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa. With 33 of the 48 players based in Wales—Cardiff leading the way with 12, followed by Scarlets (9), Ospreys (7), and Dragons (5)—there's a strong domestic core. However, the 15 players based outside of Wales will be unavailable for the Barbarians fixture, as it falls outside World Rugby's international window.
Players will join camp on a staggered basis depending on when their club season ends, with the first group reporting on Monday, 1 June. Whether you're cheering on a new cap or a returning star, this summer's rugby promises to be unmissable—so make sure your kit is ready for the action.