With Steve Tandy set to name his first Wales squad next week, Sportin Wales assesses eight potential bolters for the squad.

As international windows tighten, it is expected that Tandy will pick a major of Wales-based players. Particularly with the South Africa match at the end of November, and therefore outside the window, and the likes of Archie Griffin, Louis Rees-Zammit, and Dafydd Jenkins unavailable for selection.

Tandy is also fairly likely to pick a bigger squad than usual, with the desire to talk a look at a number of different options as he shapes a new era for Wales.

Here are eight candidates who have started the United Rugby Championship season well and could be in contention:

Morgan Morse (Back Row, Ospreys)

Few players have generated as much excitement at youth level in recent years as Morgan Morse.

Still only 20, the Ospreys back-rower has been a stalwart for Wales U20s in recent years, racking up over 20 caps and captaining sides with a maturity beyond his years. He’s also begun to make regular appearances for Ospreys in the URC, notably standing out with a brilliant try against Zebre in last weekend.

Morse’s game is defined by his defensive steel, intelligent support lines, and excellent breakdown work. While he’s yet to experience the brutal pace and intensity of senior international rugby, he’s showing signs of being more than just a long-term project.

The physical demands of Test-level back-row play might delay his full breakthrough, but it would not be surprising to see Tandy include him in the Wales squad, if only to fast-track his development in a test environment.

Verdict: One of Wales’ brightest forward prospects. A senior cap may come sooner than expected.

Tom Bowen (Wing/Fullback, Cardiff Rugby)

Cardiff’s Tom Bowen has risen quickly through the ranks thanks to his explosive pace, try-scoring instincts, and eye-catching footwork.

Bowen, 20, has already proven himself a lethal finisher in both the Welsh Premiership and now the URC. He has featured prominently for Wales U20s and made senior appearances for Cardiff, including a remarkable five tries in two games against Munster and Connacht.

While his attacking credentials are clear, questions remain about his positional discipline and defensive awareness, areas that will be ruthlessly tested at international level. However, his raw speed and attacking spark are rare commodities in the Welsh back three right now, especially with injuries and inconsistency plaguing more senior options.

Verdict: A wildcard pick, but one with real upside. A likely candidate for the Wales squad.

Harri Deaves (Openside Flanker, Ospreys)

Another Ospreys product, Harri Deaves has quietly built a strong case for inclusion in Wales’ back-row plans.

While his youth-level pedigree has been evident for some time, Deaves is now beginning to put together consistent performances at senior club level. Recent URC matches have highlighted his high work rate, breakdown intelligence, and physicality – especially in the absence of Jac Morgan.

His relatively slight frame could count against him in the more attritional test arena, but Deaves fits the mold of a specialist openside: tenacious, technically sound, and fearless. With Wales searching for a long-term successor to the Tipuric/Morgan axis, Deaves might not be far off the radar.

Verdict: A steady riser. Could feature, particularly if injuries hit the back row.

Ryan Woodman (Lock/Flanker, Dragons)

Ryan Woodman has quietly impressed as a versatile forward for the Dragons and captained Wales U20s in recent campaigns. Comfortable at lock or blindside, he brings a unique blend of physicality, set-piece competence, and leadership. While he hasn’t yet made the leap to consistent senior club dominance, his trajectory remains promising.

Wales are in the midst of a generational shift in the second row, and Woodman’s positional flexibility could be a valuable asset in upcoming development tours or injury cover scenarios. That said, he likely remains a medium-term project until he begins to assert himself more regularly in the URC.

Verdict: On the long-term radar, but needs a breakout season at senior level to force the issue.

Keiran Williams (Centre, Ospreys)

Keiran Williams is arguably the most ready-made option on this list. Having already debuted for Wales in 2023, he has continued to deliver for the Ospreys with consistent ball-carrying impact and defensive reliability. His style has often drawn comparisons to Jamie Roberts but in miniature: powerful, direct, and uncompromising.

Williams was overlooked during the 2025 Six Nations, but he responded with a series of strong URC performances, including a standout recent display against the Bulls. In a Welsh midfield that still feels in flux, Williams provides a punchy, no-nonsense alternative to more finesse-driven options.

Verdict: Strong chance of a return. Arguably Wales’ form centre in the URC.

Ross Moriarty (Back Row, Ospreys)

The return of Ross Moriarty to Welsh rugby with Ospreys this season could be seen as both a pragmatic move and a final push to reignite his international career.

A British and Irish Lion and veteran of multiple Six Nations campaigns, Moriarty brings experience, physicality, and a track record of delivering in high-pressure matches.

That said, his form has been mixed since returning from his stint in France, and he now faces stiff competition from younger, more dynamic options. Nonetheless, he has been valued his confrontational style and defensive resilience, traits that still hold value in tight tests.

Verdict: A depth option with experience. Less likely to start, but could be a useful squad inclusion.

Callum Sheedy (Fly-half, Cardiff Rugby)

After years at Bristol, Callum Sheedy’s return to Cardiff has been framed as a chance to reignite his Wales career. Capped multiple times since 2020, Sheedy has struggled to fully convince as a test-level fly-half, often viewed as more of a bench option than a long-term starter.

This season, however, presents a fresh opportunity. With Sam Costelow and Dan Edwards in the picture but still inexperienced, Sheedy could offer tactical versatility and excellent kicking, particularly in a squad lacking depth at 10. He has found consistent form in the URC, and a recall seems plausible.

Verdict: An experienced hand in a thin fly-half pool. Likely to be involved again if club form holds.

Jacob Beetham (Fullback/Wing/Centre, Cardiff Rugby)

Jacob Beetham’s emergence as a utility back for Cardiff has been hampered by injury, but he remains a player of interest to the national setup. Having earned his first Wales cap in mid-2024, his ability to cover multiple backline positions makes him an appealing option for squads that value flexibility.

However, injury woes have restricted his appearances this season, and his immediate priority will be returning to full fitness. His versatility has been highlighted this season, with his three appearances coming at fullback, wing, and outside centre in successive weekends.

Verdict: A promising player whose availability is the key question. Likely a squad option if fit.

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