Despite a disappointing last few years, is it nearly time for Wales to return to the top flight of international rugby? There certainly have been glimmers of hope. Just two years ago, Welsh rugby was in its darkest hour following a 24-21 loss to Italy at a home game in March, signing off the 2024 Six Nations campaign with a total whitewash. Matters were not helped after a loss of 24-19 in the Autumn Internationals against Fiji.
Hopes were lifted in the 2025 Autumn Internationals when Wales managed to claim their first home victory in two years in the fixture against Japan. Sadly, the win against Japan was overshadowed, somewhat, by tough defeats against New Zealand (52- 26), and South Africa (73-0), with the latter marking the first time Wales were pointless at home since 1967.
A glimmer of hope shone through at the most recent Six Nations championship, when Wales was able to put in some strong performances, particularly against Scotland and Italy.
Despite losing against Scotland 23-26, Welsh dominance in the first half boosted confidence amongst fans and players alike.
The fixture against Italy was a different story, with Wales avoiding a second Six Nations whitewash after securing a 31-17 win against the Azzurri.
Wales looked to capitalise on this momentum heading into the first stint of the inaugural Nations Championship, where they took a 39-24 win against Fiji and a close 33-31 win against a touring Barbarians side before the Nations Championship began.
Unfortunately, this was as far as their momentum would carry them.
Wales’ subsequent games in the Nations Championship featured a 31-21 loss against Argentina and another scoreless 43-0 loss against the South Africa Springboks.
Appointed in September 2025, it would seem as though Steve Tandy has had a tough start to his stint as Head Coach. However, faced with a relatively young squad and uncertainty surrounding the WRU’s structure and funding, it is likely no surprise that Wales are finding their feet again ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC).
Tandy’s experimentation is clear in his recently announced 39-man squad for the second phase of the Nations Championship, with every Welsh game being played at home.
Dewi Lake retains his captaincy for the upcoming campaign following strong performances in international tests and Gloucester, for which he also captains.
One of the most recognisable names in rugby, Louis Rees-Zammit remains a player to watch after a brief 18 month stint at the NFL, becoming a notable attacking threat alongside strong performances for Bristol Bears, scoring four tries in three appearances.
After an injury spell, Dafydd Jenkins is also back. He returns to the forwards alongside Kane James, a promising young talent and fellow Exeter Chief who earned his first cap against Argentina in July.
Alongside a number of recalls, Tandy has announced three uncapped players in his squad.
Che Hope has been described by Tandy as a “really exciting talent” after his recent performances for the Dragons. With scrumhalf Kieran Hardy out with a knee-injury, it’s possible that Hope will fill in the void.
Aneurin Owen is the second Dragons player who is looking to earn their first cap after being called up by Warren Gatland in 2021. Owen looks to be a notable addition to the team as Tandy looks to find Wales’ best options for a centre partnership for the 2027 RWC.
The final uncapped player in the squad is 24 year old Rhys Barratt from Cardiff Rugby. Named as Cardiff Rugby’s breakthrough player of the season in May 2025, Barratt has earned his first call-up for the international team.
Tandy’s squad selection also features some losses, most notable of which being Macs Page and Olly Cracknell.
While Tandy’s recent squad announcement is perhaps a departure from what was expected, it also acts as an exciting indicator that the Wales coach is willing to experiment and evolve to build strength and depth in the lead up to the 2027 RWC. There is certainly potential in the young Welsh side and it will be particularly interesting to see what Tandy and the team can do in the next few fixtures.