Wales Rugby has named a 39-player squad for the November 2026 Nations Championship, with captain Dewi Lake leading a group that combines established internationals, returning players and three uncapped selections.

Head coach Steve Tandy announced the original squad Oct. 20, bringing back Taine Basham, Seb Davies and Rio Dyer while including newcomers Rhys Barratt, Che Hope and Aneurin Owen. Jac Morgan, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright and Louis Rees-Zammit are among the notable names selected.

Wales enters November fifth in the Northern Hemisphere standings with five championship points after winning one of its three July matches.

• Sign Up To Watch Rugby All Year Long On FloRugby
• What's Streaming On FloRugby? Take A Look At The Schedule
• Toulon Surges, Pau Plummets In FloRugby Club Power Rankings

The next challenge begins Nov. 7 against Japan at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, followed by home matches against New Zealand and Australia. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, Tandy has three opportunities to assess his squad against international opposition while trying to improve Wales' Nations Championship position.

Full Wales Rugby Nations Championship Squad For 2026

Wales' original 39-player squad featured 22 forwards and 17 backs. Lake captains the team, while Barratt, Hope and Owen were uncapped when the squad was announced.

An Oct. 27 change saw Scarlets back Macs Page replace injured Dragons wing Rio Dyer, keeping the squad at 39 players.

Wales Props (7)

• Rhys Barratt (uncapped)
• Rhys Carre
• Tomas Francis
• Archie Griffin
• Dillon Lewis
• Nicky Smith
• Gareth Thomas

Wales Hookers (3)

• Liam Belcher
• Ryan Elias
• Dewi Lake (captain)
• Wales Locks (5)
• Adam Beard
• Ben Carter
• Seb Davies
• Dafydd Jenkins
• Teddy Williams

Wales Back-Row Forwards (7)

• Taine Basham
• James Botham
• Kane James
• Alex Mann
• Jac Morgan
• Taine Plumtree
• Aaron Wainwright

Wales Scrum-Halves (3)

• Che Hope (uncapped)
• Reuben Morgan-Williams
• Tomos Williams

Wales Fly-Halves (2)

• Sam Costelow
• Dan Edwards

Wales Centers (5)

• Joe Hawkins
• Louie Hennessey
• Eddie James
• Max Llewellyn
• Aneurin Owen (uncapped)

Wales Back-Three Players (7)

• Josh Adams
• Gabriel Hamer-Webb
• Ellis Mee
• Blair Murray
• Macs Page
• Louis Rees-Zammit
• Tom Rogers

Predicted Wales Starting XV Vs. Japan: Nov. 7, 2026

Wales opens its November Nations Championship campaign against Japan on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Tandy has several significant decisions to make, particularly at fly-half, in the back row and across the back three.

The following is a FloRugby editorial prediction, not an official Wales team announcement.

Predicted Wales Starting XV

1. Loosehead Prop — Nicky Smith
2. Hooker — Dewi Lake (captain)
3. Tighthead Prop — Archie Griffin
4. Lock — Adam Beard
5. Lock — Dafydd Jenkins
6. Blindside Flanker — Aaron Wainwright
7. Openside Flanker — Jac Morgan
8. No. 8 — Taine Plumtree
9. Scrum-Half — Tomos Williams
10. Fly-Half — Dan Edwards
11. Left Wing — Josh Adams
12. Inside Center — Joe Hawkins
13. Outside Center — Max Llewellyn
14. Right Wing — Louis Rees-Zammit
15. Fullback — Tom Rogers

Predicted Wales Replacements (16-23)

• Hooker — Ryan Elias
• Loosehead Prop — Gareth Thomas
• Tighthead Prop — Dillon Lewis
• Lock — Teddy Williams
• Back-Row Forward — Taine Basham
• Scrum-Half — Reuben Morgan-Williams
• Fly-Half — Sam Costelow
• Outside Back — Blair Murray

Lake, Beard, Morgan and Wainwright would give Wales an experienced core through the forwards. Morgan's work around the breakdown and Wainwright's ball carrying could be particularly important against a Japanese team capable of playing at a high tempo. The combination also gives Tandy options for distributing defensive and carrying responsibilities across the back row.

The fly-half decision is less straightforward. Edwards and Costelow are both in the squad, and either could be entrusted with directing Wales' attack. This prediction favors Edwards, with Costelow providing an alternative from the bench. At scrum-half, Williams' experience makes him a logical choice to organize the side, although Morgan-Williams offers another option.

The back three could produce some of the closest selection calls. Rees-Zammit's pace makes him an appealing attacking weapon, while Adams brings extensive international experience. Rogers gets the predicted fullback assignment, but Murray, Mee and Page offer alternatives. The final combination could depend on whether Tandy prioritizes aerial security, positional versatility or attacking speed.

Who Is In Wales' Nations Championship Squad? Biggest Selection Takeaways

Dewi Lake Leads Wales As Captain

Lake will captain Wales through a November schedule that includes three home matches and a fourth fixture during Finals Weekend in London.

The Gloucester Rugby hooker had 34 international caps when the squad was announced, giving Tandy an experienced leader in a position central to Wales' set-piece performance. Lake's responsibilities extend beyond his work at the scrum and lineout. He must help establish the physical standards and consistency Wales needs after an uneven July campaign.

His presence alongside experienced forwards such as Beard, Morgan and Wainwright gives Wales an important foundation.

Louis Rees-Zammit Gives Wales An Attacking Threat

Rees-Zammit remains one of the most recognizable players in Welsh rugby, and his inclusion provides Tandy with an explosive attacking option.

The Bristol Bears back returned to professional rugby after pursuing an NFL career, adding another chapter to a career that already includes extensive international experience. Rees-Zammit combines international experience with the ability to threaten defenses through pace and finishing.

The question for Tandy is how best to use him alongside Wales' other back-three options.

Three Uncapped Players Earn Opportunities

The original Oct. 20 squad included three uncapped players, each competing for an opportunity to make a senior Test debut.

Cardiff Rugby prop Rhys Barratt adds another option in the front row. He has an opportunity to compete for a place in Wales' international setup alongside more established props.

Dragons scrum-half Che Hope faces competition from Tomos Williams and Reuben Morgan-Williams. His selection gives Tandy another option at a position where experience and game management are especially important. Dragons center Aneurin Owen provides additional midfield depth and another developing player for the coaching staff to evaluate.

None was guaranteed a debut when selected, but all three represent opportunities for Wales to develop its next generation of internationals.

Wales Makes Significant Selection Decisions

The omissions of Taulupe Faletau and Tommy Reffell were among the biggest talking points surrounding Tandy's original announcement.

Faletau, one of Wales' most experienced back-row forwards, was left out of the squad. His absence should not be interpreted as international retirement, with Tandy leaving open the possibility of future selection.

Reffell's absence removes an established breakdown specialist from consideration.

Meanwhile, Basham, Davies and Dyer were recalled in the original squad, although Dyer's return was subsequently cut short by injury.

Steve Tandy Balances Experience And Development

Tandy's squad is not a wholesale rebuild.

It includes established internationals such as Tomos Williams, Josh Adams, Beard, Wainwright and Lake alongside players still developing their Test careers.

That balance matters with the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching. Wales needs to identify players capable of contributing in Australia next year while also improving results immediately.

The November window gives Tandy a chance to evaluate combinations, but the three fixtures also carry Nations Championship points and influence Wales' final tournament placement.

Which Rugby Clubs Have The Most Players In Wales' Squad?

Wales' squad draws heavily from the United Rugby Championship's four Welsh regions, but a substantial number of internationals play their professional rugby outside Wales.

The club distribution changed Oct. 27 when Scarlets back Macs Page replaced injured Dragons wing Rio Dyer. The following totals reflect the updated 39-player squad.

• Scarlets: 8 players
• Cardiff Rugby: 7 players
• Dragons RFC: 5 players
• Ospreys: 4 players
• Gloucester Rugby: 3 players
• Saracens: 2 players
• Sale Sharks: 2 players
• Exeter Chiefs: 2 players
• Leicester Tigers: 2 players
• Bath Rugby: 2 players
• Montpellier: 1 player
• Bristol Bears: 1 player

Total: 39 players

The four Welsh URC regions supply 24 players, with the remaining 15 based at English or French clubs. The original squad included six Dragons players and seven Scarlets before the Dyer-Page change.

Scarlets lead the club representation with eight selections, followed by Cardiff with seven. Gloucester contributes captain Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Max Llewellyn, while Saracens supplies Rhys Carre and Tomos Williams.

The distribution highlights the importance of both Wales' domestic development system and the experience its internationals gain playing in other major European competitions.

5 Wales Players To Watch In The Nations Championship

1. Jac Morgan — Flanker

Morgan is one of Wales' most important forwards, particularly when the team needs to compete for possession at the breakdown. His defensive work, tackling and ability to disrupt opposition attacks give Wales a valuable presence in the back row.

Morgan also brings leadership qualities to a squad that will need to respond to difficult periods against New Zealand and Australia. His combination with Wainwright could be central to Wales' forward performance throughout November.

2. Louis Rees-Zammit — Wing

Rees-Zammit gives Wales the kind of pace that can turn an attacking opportunity into a try. His ability to threaten defenses in space makes him a dangerous option on the wing, particularly when Wales can generate quick ball. The challenge will be creating enough attacking opportunities for him against international defenses.

His combination with Wales' fly-half, centers and fullback will be an important selection consideration.

3. Dewi Lake — Hooker And Captain

Lake is central to Wales' plans as both a forward and a leader. His work in the set piece will be important against three opponents with different playing styles, while his physicality can help establish Wales' presence around the contact area.

With 34 caps entering the window, Lake is also among the players Tandy will rely upon to maintain standards across four consecutive international weekends.

4. Tomos Williams — Scrum-Half

Williams entered the squad with 75 international caps, making him one of its most experienced backs. His distribution, decision-making and ability to manage attacking tempo will be particularly important as Wales settles on its preferred fly-half and midfield combinations.

Williams also has the experience to help Wales adjust its approach during matches. Against opponents such as New Zealand and Australia, his ability to make decisions under pressure could be especially valuable.

5. Aaron Wainwright — Back-Row Forward

Wainwright entered November with 70 Wales caps and remains an important option in the back row. His carrying ability gives Wales a way to generate momentum through the forwards, while his defensive responsibilities will be important against powerful opposition packs.

Wainwright's positional versatility also gives Tandy options when choosing the balance of his back row. Alongside those five established internationals, Barratt, Hope and Owen are worth monitoring as potential newcomers to Test rugby.

Wales Nations Championship Injuries, Absences And Selection Questions

Wales' November squad includes several notable omissions, while injuries have already affected the original selection.

Faletau was not included in Tandy's 39-player group. The experienced back-row forward remains a potential future international selection, but Wales will enter November without him. Reffell also missed the original squad, removing another established option from the back row. His absence places additional importance on Morgan, Wainwright and the other selected forwards.

Macs Page was initially among the players omitted, but his situation changed Oct. 27 when he replaced the injured Dyer.

Dyer's withdrawal reduces Wales' options on the wing, although the squad still includes Rees-Zammit, Adams, Murray, Mee, Rogers and Page.

Several selection questions remain unresolved.

At fly-half, Edwards and Costelow are competing for the opportunity to lead Wales' attack. In the back row, Tandy must decide how best to combine Morgan, Wainwright and the available No. 8 candidates. The midfield also presents choices, with Hawkins, Llewellyn, James, Hennessey and Owen providing different combinations.

The final decisions will become clearer when Wales announces its official matchday team against Japan.

How Wales Reached 5th Place In The Nations Championship Standings

Wales enters November with one victory and two defeats from the first three rounds of the inaugural Nations Championship. Tandy's side began the tournament with a 39-24 victory over Fiji on July 4, earning five championship points.

That promising start was followed by a 35-21 defeat against Argentina on July 11. Wales then suffered a 43-0 loss to South Africa on July 18, finishing the Southern Hemisphere portion of the competition with a minus-42 points difference.

Wales' July 2026 Nations Championship Results

• July 4: Wales 39, Fiji 24
• July 11: Argentina 35, Wales 21
• July 18: South Africa 43, Wales 0

Nations Championship Northern Hemisphere Standings Entering November

1. France: 12 points
2. Scotland: 11 points
3. England: 10 points
4. Ireland: 10 points
5. Wales: 5 points
6. Italy: 0 points

Wales begins November seven points behind France and six behind Scotland.

The July results also show the challenge facing Tandy's team. Wales demonstrated its attacking potential against Fiji but struggled to sustain that performance against Argentina and South Africa.

With three championship matches remaining, Wales still has an opportunity to improve its position before Finals Weekend.

Wales' November 2026 Nations Championship Schedule

Wales will play all three of its remaining regular-season Nations Championship matches at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

All kickoff times are Eastern.

Round 4: Wales Vs. Japan — Nov. 7

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Kickoff: 11:40 a.m. ET
• Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wales begins November against Japan in a matchup that could help determine whether Tandy's side can climb the Northern Hemisphere standings.

The teams met in November 2025, when Wales secured a narrow 24-23 victory.

Japan enters the November championship window with four points in the Southern Hemisphere standings.

Round 5: Wales Vs. New Zealand — Nov. 14

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 14
• Kickoff: 9:10 a.m. ET
• Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wales faces one of its most difficult assignments against New Zealand.

The All Blacks enter November second in the Southern Hemisphere standings, level with South Africa on 15 championship points but behind on points difference. For Wales, the matchup offers an opportunity to measure its progress against one of international rugby's leading teams.

Round 6: Wales Vs. Australia — Nov. 21

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 21
• Kickoff: 3:10 p.m. ET
• Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wales closes the regular championship schedule against Australia.

The Wallabies enter November third in the Southern Hemisphere standings with eight points. Depending on results from the previous two rounds, this match could have important implications for Wales' final position and its Finals Weekend opponent.

Can Wales Reach The 2026 Nations Championship Grand Final?

Wales still has a mathematical route to the inaugural Nations Championship Grand Final, but it faces a significant challenge. France leads the Northern Hemisphere standings with 12 points, followed by Scotland with 11 and England and Ireland with 10 apiece.

\Wales has five points and three remaining matches.

The Nations Championship uses separate Northern and Southern Hemisphere standings. Each team plays six regular-season matches against opponents from the opposite hemisphere, with three matches in July and three in November. Teams earn four points for a victory, two for a draw and bonus points for scoring at least four tries or losing by seven points or fewer.

The top-ranked Northern Hemisphere team advances directly to the Grand Final against the top-ranked Southern Hemisphere team. There are no semifinals.

Wales would need a strong November campaign and favorable results elsewhere to close the gap on France, Scotland, England and Ireland. Even if Wales does not finish first, its remaining matches will determine which Southern Hemisphere team it faces during Finals Weekend.

All 12 countries will compete at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in London from Nov. 27-29. The Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29, at 11:40 a.m. ET.

How To Watch Wales In The 2026 Nations Championship In The USA

The 2026 Nations Championship is available to U.S. viewers through RugbyPass TV.

Wales' November matches against Japan, New Zealand and Australia are part of the inaugural competition, which brings together 12 international teams from the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

FloRugby provides coverage, analysis and news about the Nations Championship, while also streaming major professional club competitions throughout the rugby season.

Watch Wales Rugby Stars Year-Round On FloRugby

American rugby fans can follow many of Wales' biggest international stars throughout the professional club season on FloRugby.

FloRugby is the U.S. streaming home of the United Rugby Championship, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, Gallagher PREM, French Top 14 and Japan Rugby League One.

The United Rugby Championship features four Welsh professional teams: Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets.

Those clubs provide much of the national team's talent, while other Wales internationals compete for teams in England and France.

Players such as Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Max Llewellyn compete for Gloucester Rugby, while Louis Rees-Zammit plays for Bristol Bears.

Fans can watch their favorite Wales players compete for their clubs throughout the season with a FloRugby subscription.

Can I Watch Rugby All Year On FloRugby?

Yes. FloRugby offers live and on-demand rugby throughout the year with a subscription.

Fans can follow major club competitions and international rugby on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Match availability varies by region and broadcast rights.

What Rugby Competitions Can I Watch On FloRugby?

FloRugby streams the United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM, Top 14, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and more.

Visit the FloRugby watch schedule to explore upcoming events. Availability varies by location and competition rights.

Where Can I Find Rugby News, Schedules And Results?

FloRugby provides rugby news, schedules, results, rankings and analysis throughout the season.

Visit FloRugby.com for the latest coverage from Europe's leading club competitions and beyond.

Where Can I Follow FloRugby?

Follow FloRugby for rugby news, highlights and updates throughout the season.

• Follow FloRugby on X.
• Follow FloRugby on Instagram.
• Follow FloRugby on Facebook.