Tandy names Wales Six Nations squad amid latest developments in the pro game
Steve Tandy's squad announcement was overshadowed by off-field controversy
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Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named his squad ahead of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, with two uncapped players included among the 38 selected.
After being included in the autumn squad but not earning his first cap, Bath centre Louie Hennessey has been recalled, while Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb has received his first call-up.
Dewi Lake replaces the injured Jac Morgan as captain, with recalls for Tomos Francis, Ryan Elias, Sam Costelow and Owen Watkin.
However, the squad announcement was overshadowed by the future of the game in Wales.
The Welsh Rugby Union plan to reduce the number of clubs from four to three, with reports suggesting that Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media may move to buy Cardiff, who were taken over by the WRU last year.
While this news has had a ripple effect across everyone connected with the Ospreys, the on-field commitments continue with Tandy speaking about the uncapped duo in his Welsh squad that contains a combined total of 877 caps.
"I went up to Leicester before the autumn and spoke to Geoff (Parling) a lot about the environment," said Tandy, when asked about Hamer-Webb.
"Obviously, we have a few boys up there. I've watched him for Cardiff as well. The way he's been tracking in and around the environment and knowing what he's been about with not being in the Leicester team and how hard he's been fighting [has been good to see].
"When he's taken the opportunity when it comes to the Champions Cup, I feel like he's really shown what he can do. Aerially, he's been outstanding. The way he goes after the game playing against a physical team like the Stormers as well."
On Hennessey, Tandy added: "It was brilliant having Louie in the autumn. I know he has limited opportunities with Bath, but every time he has an opportunity, he makes it count.
"He comes on and more or less with his first touch, scores. Then he comes off the bench against Exeter [in the Gallagher Prem] and has a big impact on the game.
"His mindset towards everything is great. They're two great players to come into the squad, and I'm really excited to work with them both.”
Selection majorly overshadowed by off-field controversy
From the 38 players selected, 13 are currently playing their rugby outside of Wales, with that number potentially increasing should the governing body get its wish to cut a professional team.
Reportedly, the WRU held a board meeting on Monday where the executive presented the option of Y11 as their preferred bidder for Cardiff.
Y11 are the majority owners of the Ospreys and, following the announcement of the WRU’s plans in October to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three, it would likely mean that Wales’ most successful team since the inception of regional rugby would be cut.
Despite Tandy pleading with the media to keep the focus on rugby matters before the start of his press conference, he was still required to address questions regarding the future of a club he both played for and coached.
"If you were part of any club, it would sting and hurt," he said. "There is lots of history with every club. I played and coached the Ospreys. I am proud of that, but I know there is pride around Dragons, Cardiff and Scarlets.
"I am not going to comment on speculation, but if I put myself in anyone's shoes, whoever you represent, it's going to hurt and there will be frustration and anger.
“Any time you lose something, there will be those feelings. I can't comment specifically on one team when I genuinely don't know what is happening because I have been focusing 100 per cent on squad selection.
“We have to be aware of the people as well, and we base a lot of our identity on connection and being true to ourselves and the players.
"If they have any issues, then they can walk through our door or pick up the phone to speak to us about frustrations."
Meanwhile, Ospreys' players released a statement on their social media platforms on Tuesday afternoon.
“As players, we want to address the current situation and offer supporters our point of view. We have been left in the dark by the WRU and Y11. We ourselves have had no information regarding the ongoing situation.
“We struggle to believe the most successful Welsh team to exist with the biggest history is on the brink of non-existence
“We will continue to play for the fans and for the people who have stood by the Ospreys over the years."
Trio of coaches return to coaching ticket
Before the squad announcement, it was confirmed that the coaching trio of Duncan Jones, Rhys Patchell and Dan Lydiate will return on an interim basis, having featured during Tandy’s first campaign in November.
The Welsh head coach explained the decision to bring the three back for the Six Nations.
"They're here for the Six Nations again, and I think there's a good bit of consistency on it.
“Coming into September, the season's up and running, but we're really pleased with the boys, what they did in the autumn, and the support we had from the regions as well to get those boys in.
“Because they were running programmes as well, it was brilliant. It's really good for our group to have a bit of consistency now."
Wales begin their Six Nations campaign away to England before hosting France. They then entertain Scotland in Round Three, before travelling to Ireland and concluding the tournament at home against Italy.
Tandy’s side will be looking for their first Six Nations win since March 2023.
Wales Squad
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), 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, capt), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs: 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).
