Dafydd Jenkins out of Wales Nations Championship due to shoulder surgery

Former Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins has been ruled out of Wales' Nations Championship Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa after suffering a shoulder injury that requires surgery. The Exeter Chiefs lock, 23, picked up the injury in the Gallagher Premiership final defeat to Northampton Saints, ruling him out for the summer internationals.

Injury blow for Wales defence coach Steve Tandy

Jenkins' absence is a significant setback for Wales defence coach Steve Tandy, as the 23-year-old had started 11 of the last 16 Tests for Wales. He joins a growing list of injured players, including Keiron Assiratti, Liam Belcher and Louie Hennessey, who have already been ruled out.

Tandy has reduced his initial 45-man squad to 33 for the maiden Nations Championship, with 12 players leaving the extended summer squad. Among those omitted are Ospreys tighthead Ben Warren and Exeter Chiefs back-row Kane James, while Cardiff loosehead Rhys Barratt, Harlequins centre Bryn Bradley, and Dragons duo Ryan Woodman and Harrison Keddie also miss out.

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Squad selection and competition

Beyond the uncapped players, there is no place for Olly Cracknell, Freddie Thomas, Ellis Bevan, Jarrod Evans, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Joe Roberts and Tom Rogers. Dewi Lake captains the squad, with Tandy opting for 19 forwards and 14 backs.

“We have selected a squad of 33 players for the Nations Championship to mirror what will be required for the World Cup in 2027,” said Tandy. “We are building a lot of competition among our group of players, which is what we want to have, and there were some tough calls to make.”

Exciting opportunity ahead

“We have an exciting opportunity over the next three weeks in a brand-new competition and can’t wait to get our campaign started against Fiji on Saturday,” Tandy added. “As I’ve mentioned before, the priorities for us this summer are to keep growing and developing the players. We want to continue building and to be more consistent in our performances across all three games.”