Steve Tandy has recalled 76-cap tighthead prop Tomas Francis to the Wales squad ahead of the 2026 Six Nations.

Francis has not played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup, but is included alongside less experienced options Keiron Assiratti and Archie Griffin in the tighthead position.

Uncapped backs Louie Hennessey and Gabe Hamer-Webb also make the 38-man group, at the expense of Max Llewellyn and Rio Dyer amongst others.

Hamer-Webb, 25, left Cardiff for Leicester for the start of the 2025-26 season, while Hennessey was involved in Tandy’s group in the autumn without making his debut.

Returning players include Josh Macleod, Sam Costelow, James Botham, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady and Ryan Elias, with the likes of Tommy Reffell, Callum Sheedy, Brodie Coghlan, and Nick Tompkins all missing out.

Dewi Lake captains the squad in the absence of Jac Morgan, who dislocated his shoulder in Wales’ first match of the autumn matches. Taulupe Faletau and Llewellyn are also missing through injury.

There are nine Scarlets players in the squad, with seven each from Cardiff and Ospreys, and just two from Dragons. A further 13 play in England and France.

The Wales squad will link up next week before the Six Nations opener away against England on Saturday, 7 February.

Wales have lost their previous 11 matches in the tournament with the past victory coming against Italy in March 2023.

“There are a few changes to the squad from the autumn, some due to injury, but others are a sign of the competition there is and how many players we have in the mix which is a real positive,” said Tandy.

“I think we have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can’t wait for us to assemble next week.

“I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group.”

Tandy has backed Lake to lead the side again.

“Dewi is great man and so passionate about Wales which I think everyone can see,” added Tandy.

“I thought he was outstanding in the way he led during the autumn, not only in the three games he was captain, but also how he supported Jac [Morgan] prior to that.

“I know he will continue to do an amazing job in the role this Six Nations.”

Wales Squad

Forwards

Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, capt), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).

Backs

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), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).

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