Wales head coach Steve Tandy announced a 39-player squad for the Nations Championship, featuring several new additions alongside returning players. The squad includes three uncapped players: Dragons centre Aneurin Owen, scrum-half Che Hope, and Cardiff loose-head prop Rhys Barratt. Additionally, Tandy recalled Dragons lock Seb Davies and Cardiff number eight Taine Basham for the first time under his tenure.
Owen, 26, was previously part of the Wales contingent in the summer of 2021 but did not appear in matches against Canada or Argentina. He earned selection ahead of injured Cardiff centre Ben Thomas, providing depth in the midfield alongside Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Max Llewellyn, and Louie Hennessey. Hope, 23, joins the squad for his first international camp and will compete with Tomos Williams and Reuben Morgan-Williams, following knee injury to Kieran Hardy.
Dyer, a 26-year-old winger who most recently earned caps against South Africa, returns for the campaign after a strong recent start to his season. Gabriel Hamer-Webb, who made his Wales debut against Scotland in the Six Nations, also rejoins the group following absence from the summer Tests.
Notable absences include Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell and number eight Taulupe Faletau, who recently returned to action. Basham’s selection for the back row came as Faletau faced continued recovery. Furthermore, Scarlets wing Macs Page was left out despite strong recent form, while Elliot Dee did not secure selection at hooker ahead of captain Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias.
Wales will face Japan, New Zealand, and Australia during the tournament, concluding competition against a southern hemisphere opponent at Twickenham.
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