Steve Tandy has named is first Wales squad for their match against Argentina this Sunday, with Louis Rees-Zammit and Rhys Carre returning and a potential debut for Olly Cracknell from the bench.

The Saracens loose-head will make his first international start since 2023, marking his return in the first Wales side selected by new head coach Steve Tandy.

Meanwhile, Bristol’s Rees-Zammit has won his race for fitness and is set for a long-awaited return to Test rugby from the bench. The 24-year-old last featured for Wales over two years ago before switching codes to pursue a career in American football.

Former Ospreys back rower Cracknell, now with Leicester Tigers, joined the autumn squad late as injury cover for Taulupe Faletau and is rewarded with a spot in the matchday 23.

Tandy has rung the changes following July’s morale-boosting win over Japan, which ended an 18-match losing streak. In total, seven players return to the side: props Carre and Keiron Assiratti, locks Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins, centre Max Llewellyn, and British & Irish Lions pair Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams.

Sunday’s fixture in Cardiff is the first of four autumn internationals, with Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa to follow.

“It’s a real privilege to name my first matchday 23 for Wales,” said Tandy.

“I want the boys to go out there, express themselves, and enjoy every moment in such a special jersey.”

Selection Policy and Carre’s Recall

Carre’s recall comes despite the Welsh Rugby Union’s 25-cap rule, which limits selection for players based outside Wales. The 27-year-old currently has 20 caps, but like Jarrod Evans earlier this year, he was deemed eligible after not receiving a suitable offer to remain with former club Cardiff Rugby before rejoining Saracens.

Tandy was quick to play down any policy-related influence on the decision, insisting Carre’s inclusion was based purely on form and performance. The prop starts ahead of Nicky Smith, who features on the bench.

Carre will pack down alongside Dewi Lake at hooker and Assiratti at tight-head, with Beard and Jenkins forming the second-row partnership.

Captain Morgan Returns

Fresh from a successful Lions series win over Australia, skipper Jac Morgan returns to lead the side. He joins Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright in a powerful back row.

Among the replacements are Smith, Cracknell, Freddie Thomas, Liam Belcher, and Archie Griffin.

Rees-Zammit’s Comeback

Rees-Zammit is back in a Wales squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina in Marseille.

After stints on NFL practice squads with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, he returned to rugby in August, signing for Bristol Bears. Despite a toe injury sustained against Saracens in early October, he’s now fit to feature from the bench.

Scarlets duo Blair Murray and Tom Rogers, along with Cardiff’s Josh Adams, form the starting back three. In midfield, Max Llewellyn renews his Six Nations partnership with Ben Thomas, while Edwards continues at fly-half alongside scrum-half Tomos Williams.

On the bench, Jarrod Evans and Kieran Hardy provide the half-back cover.

Wales Team

Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake, Keiron Assiratti, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements:

Liam Belcher, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Louis Rees-Zammit.

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