Wales will compete in the inaugural Nations Championship this summer, marking a significant test for head coach Steve Tandy and his squad. The new competition ushers in an exciting chapter in international rugby. Here is everything you need to know about the tournament and Wales' involvement.
Who Are They Playing?
Wales' summer schedule begins with an uncapped game against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, June 27. Their Nations Championship campaign starts against Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium on July 4. They then travel to Argentina to face the Pumas in Santa Fe on July 11, followed by a trip to Durban to take on world champions South Africa on July 18.
Where Can I Watch the Games?
All Nations Championship games will be televised live on ITV and S4C. The match against the Barbarians will be shown exclusively on S4C.
What Is the Format?
The Nations Championship adds meaning to traditional summer and autumn internationals. It is a biennial competition between northern and southern hemispheres, with an overall winner. It includes all Six Nations countries and all four Rugby Championship nations, plus Fiji and Japan in the southern pool. Despite cross-hemisphere matches, separate Six Nations and Rugby Championship tables are maintained. This summer, Wales faces Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa; in autumn, they host Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The finals weekend is November 27-29 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham. The winner is determined by the top northern and southern pool finishers, with all teams guaranteed a game that weekend.
New Faces in the Squad
Tandy has named six uncapped players in his extended 48-man squad, expected to be cut after the Barbarians game. Notable selections include Exeter Chiefs backrower Kane James and Harlequins centre Bryn Bradley. James, born in Haverfordwest, represented England at U20s but now pledges allegiance to Wales. Bradley, at 6ft 4in, is an explosive ball carrier compared to Jamie Roberts. Other uncapped players include Dragons backrower Harrison Keddie, Cardiff loosehead Rhys Barratt, Ospreys tighthead Ben Warren, and former Wales U20s captain Ryan Woodman. Experienced players returning include Dillon Lewis (57 caps), Max Llewellyn, Tommy Reffell, Joe Roberts, and Ellis Bevan.
A New Coaching Team
Former Scotland international Peter Murchie has joined as defence coach, having previously worked with Tandy under Gregor Townsend. Paul James has been appointed scrum coach, beating Adam Jones and Duncan Jones. James previously filled in after Duncan Jones' injury before the Six Nations. He will work with Danny Wilson on lineout and contact areas, and also coach players outside international windows. However, two vacancies remain: kicking and attacking skills coaches. The WRU has shortlisted candidates. Former All Blacks fly-half Nick Evans applied but took a role in Japan. Wales greats Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Cardiff coach Jonny Goodridge, and Scarlets' Scott Sneddon have been linked. Another candidate is former Cardiff and Dragons kicking consultant Alan Kingsley. With Wales' first game just eight days away, time is running out.
