Wales will open their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe in just over 13 months' time. Head coach Steve Tandy will already have a shortlist of players pencilled into his plans, fitness permitting, and while some appear close to certain of a place on the plane, others face a crucial season to prove they belong in the final 33-man squad.
Nailed-on starters
Jac Morgan looks certain to be one of the first names on Tandy's teamsheet. The openside has developed into a genuinely world-class player, combining his work at the breakdown with a superb all-round game. Morgan brings an intensity that lifts those around him and has become one of Wales' most influential players.
At 34, Tomas Francis is no longer at the beginning of his international career, but his value to Wales remains obvious. When it comes to scrummaging, there is still nobody available to Tandy who can match him consistently at tighthead. With that in mind, giving Francis the summer off was a sensible move as Wales build towards the World Cup.
Dafydd Jenkins is another player who looks firmly established in Tandy's plans. The lock has embraced the responsibility that comes with leading Wales and combines his leadership qualities with the physicality and work rate required at the highest level. Alongside him, Ben Carter has emerged as an increasingly important part of the equation. His performances during the Six Nations, particularly after stepping into the role previously occupied by Adam Beard, underlined his growing importance.
Key forwards and half-backs
Aaron Wainwright looks to have cemented his place among Wales' most important forwards. With Taulupe Faletau seemingly unlikely to return to international rugby, Wainwright has a huge role to play in giving Wales the physical presence they need around the gainline. His Six Nations campaign was a reminder of just how good he can be, while he was one of Wales' better players this summer. At 28, Wainwright is entering his prime years and, had the British & Irish Lions toured this summer, his performances would surely have put him firmly in the conversation.
Tomos Williams is another player Tandy needs fit if Wales are to improve over the next year or so. The scrum-half is a key attacking weapon for Wales, capable of speeding up the game, spotting gaps and giving his backs the platform to attack. Louis Rees-Zammit should also be considered a near certainty if available. His return gives Wales a devastating attacking weapon and his ability to turn half-chances into tries makes him extremely difficult to overlook.
The biggest question at No 10 remains unanswered. Tandy has yet to settle on his preferred fly-half, but Dan Edwards and Sam Costelow currently appear to be the leading contenders. With neither having fully claimed the shirt, the battle between the two could be one of the most intriguing selection calls of the coming season, but provided they are fit both will go to the World Cup.
Back-three and centres
In the back three, Rees-Zammit, Josh Adams, Ellis Mee and Blair Murray are currently in pole position after featuring heavily this season. Mason Grady should also be in the mix. His size, power and ability to cover centre give him an edge over some of the other wing options. Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Tom Rogers, Keelan Giles, Rio Dyer and Josh Hathway will all be pushing hard, while Cardiff flyer Tom Bowen and versatile back Jacob Beetham remain potential bolters. Beetham's aerial ability could make him a serious option at full-back. Wales took six back-three players to the 2023 World Cup and, 13 months out, this remains one of the most open areas of Tandy's squad.
The midfield remains one of the areas where Wales have yet to find the right formula. Attack coach Matt Sherratt favours a second playmaker at 12, with Joe Hawkins and Ben Thomas both used in that role. Wales took three specialist centres to the 2023 World Cup, with Grady providing cover on the wing, and Tandy faces another big call 13 months out. It is difficult to see both Hawkins and Thomas making the final squad, but one should be there. Eddie James is also well placed after an impressive season with the Scarlets.
There could, however, be room for a bolter. Louie Hennessey has serious potential and his ability to cover wing could strengthen his case, while Bryn Bradley, Owen Watkin and Joe Roberts remain in contention.
Back-row, second-row and front-row battles
At half-back, Edwards and Costelow are currently in the driving seat at fly-half, but it is difficult to see Tandy taking more than two specialist No 10s. That could leave Hawkins or Ben Thomas providing cover, although Jarrod Evans and Callum Sheedy will have plenty to say about the pecking order. At scrum-half, Williams is nailed on, with Kieran Hardy and Reuben Morgan-Williams currently in line to join him. But Che Hope could be the wildcard. The 23-year-old Dragons star has serious X-factor and is a devastating runner with ball in hand. Injury denied him a chance to push his claims on the summer tour, but another strong season could put him firmly in World Cup contention.
Wales have plenty of strength in depth in the back row. Morgan should walk straight into the starting XV once fully fit, while James Botham, Harri Deaves, Josh Macleod and Tommy Reffell are all in contention at openside. Thomas Young should not be discounted either. Wales took six back-rowers to the 2023 World Cup, and Botham could be in pole position given his ability to cover all three positions. Alex Mann offers similar versatility across six and seven. At No 8, Wainwright has made the position his own after an outstanding 2025/26 season and could go up another level after joining Leicester Tigers. Kane James is now firmly in the picture following his Test debut, while Olly Cracknell, Ryan Woodman and Taine Plumtree remain in contention. The wildcard could be Deian Gwynne. The Wales U20 captain has featured in Tandy's alignment squads and has been tipped by U20s head coach Richard Whiffin as a genuine 2027 World Cup contender.
Jenkins and Ben Carter look nailed on in the second row. Wales took three specialist locks to the 2023 World Cup, with Christ Tshiunza providing cover across the pack, and Tandy faces a similar selection call this time around. Beard is well placed given his experience, while Gloucester's Freddie Thomas strengthens his case with his ability to cover blindside. Cardiff's Teddy Williams offers a similar option, with many in the game believing his long-term future could be at No 6 rather than lock. With only one spot likely available, Beard, Thomas and Williams could be fighting it out for the final place.
Tighthead remains a major concern, which explains Wales' continued reliance on Francis. Archie Griffin is also well placed to make the squad, but there will be a battle for the third tighthead spot, with Dillon Lewis and Keiron Assiratti in contention. At loosehead, Rhys Carre and Nicky Smith look nailed on, with Gareth Thomas also in the mix. Dewi Lake, fitness permitting, is on the plane, with Ryan Elias likely to join him. Liam Belcher has been a regular since Tandy took charge, but the return of the experienced Elliot Dee could see him move ahead of Evan Lloyd and Brodie Coghlan for the final hooker spot. Don't rule out Brodie Coghlan, though. The Dragons hooker has impressed consistently and looks to have plenty of potential, making the battle for the final spot far from settled.
