In a significant move for the upcoming Six Nations 2026, Wales has officially included Ospreys lock Rhys Davies in their squad selection, a decision that could have lasting implications. At 27 years old, Davies previously participated in a challenging match against South Africa, where Wales suffered a staggering 73-0 defeat in November. Despite his earlier experience, he was initially excluded from the original roster of 38 players for this year’s tournament.
Davies, who has represented Wales four times on the international stage, becomes the eighth player from the Ospreys to join the squad amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the long-term viability of the Welsh rugby team. This addition brings the squad's total to 39 members. Alongside Davies, the team also includes Exeter’s captain Dafydd Jenkins and Montpellier’s Adam Beard as lock options, with Dragons co-captain Ben Carter and Gloucester’s Freddie Thomas, who is working his way back from an injury, also in contention.
This week marks the second addition to the squad; Cardiff prop Sam Wainwright has stepped in to take the place of his teammate Keiron Assiratti, who is unfortunately sidelined with a calf injury, ruling him out of the tournament. Additionally, key players such as captain Jac Morgan, Cardiff's number eight Taulupe Faletau, Exeter lock Christ Tshiunza, and Gloucester center Max Llewellyn are also dealing with injuries, raising concerns over team depth.
Wales will kick off their Six Nations journey against England at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, February 7, and conclude their campaign with a home game against Italy on March 14.
The forward lineup includes: Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, captain), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), and Sam Wainwright (Cardiff).
The backs feature: 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), and Tomos Williams (Gloucester).
As the anticipation builds for the Six Nations, what do you think about the inclusion of Rhys Davies and the overall state of the Welsh rugby team? Do you feel optimistic about their chances, or are there deeper issues at play? Share your thoughts!
