After two rounds of thrilling European action, Steve Tandy is set to name his Wales squad for the 2026 Six Nations tomorrow.

Sportin Wales has picked six names who have put their hands up in recent weeks for a spot in the squad. Here they are:

Che Hope – Dragons

With Tomos Williams the undisputed first choice scrum-half, there is an opportunity for someone to nail down the number 21 shirt for Wales in the upcoming campaign.

Kieran Hardy is the more experienced option and has been electric for Ospreys in recent weeks, but if Tandy wants a real live wire option, Dragons scrumhalf Che Hope looks like the next cab off the rank.

After nailing down the 9 shirt ahead of Christmas, Hope has scored four tries in four games, as well as laying on two more for his teammates.

When Williams is on the pitch, the speed of the Welsh attack is markedly increased. If Tandy wants to maintain that speed for Wales in the Six Nations, he could do worse than give Hope a go.

Ellis Mee – Scarlets

Not an unfamiliar name to Wales fans, Mee made his debut in a memorable match against Ireland in last year’s tournament and was millimetres from making it a try scoring one.

With Wales exposed in the air against the likes of South Africa and Argentina last autumn, Tandy may revert to more aerial strength and Mee offers that.

Big, strong, and quick, Mee’s try assist for Archie Hughes last was a standout moment, burning Ollie Sleightholme down the wing, stepping inside Edoardo Todero, and having the presence of mind to offload to the supporting scrum-half.

Get him in the squad.

Kane James – Exeter Chiefs

Perhaps the biggest question mark on this list due to his injury against Cardiff on the weekend, James is the latest in a long line of impressive Welsh number eights.

With Taulupe Faletau ruled out of at least the first three rounds of the Six Nations, Tandy has a hole to fill in his back row stocks. Whether the likes of Olly Cracknell, Aaron Wainwright, and Morgan Morse just nudge James out, remains to be seen.

Eligible for Wales, England and New Zealand, the former Wales Under-18 international has been strongly linked with a potential senior call-up after a series of explosive cameo performances off the bench for the Chiefs.

James switched allegiance to England Under-20s last year and played his part in their Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship double, but has made no secret of being open to a return to Wales as he targets Test rugby. He may have to wait for the summer tests to realise that dream.

Mason Grady – Cardiff Rugby

Another winger to put their hand up, Grady offers a physicality that no other flier in Wales can.

Plagued by injuries in recent times, Grady’s return could be a big boost for Tandy, whose side lacked that physical edge in their autumn matches, especially in the back line.

He might not be straight back into the team, but his ability to play both outside centre and wing should see him make the squad.

James Williams – Bristol Bears

If Tandy and attack coach Matt Sherratt want to continue their strategy of fielding a playmaking inside centre, then James Williams of Bristol Bears should be considered for the role.

Ben Thomas has been the first choice recently but was ousted by Joe Hawkins for the New Zealand and South Africa games. It is expected that both players will be in Tandy’s squad, but their versatility offers the chance to pick Williams.

Williams has been a mainstay in Bristol’s midfield, playing every minute of a seven-game winning streak from late November to January, including kicking the winning conversion in a 19-17 victory over Sale Sharks.

Ross Moriarty – Ospreys

Another candidate to fill the void left by Faletau’s injury, Ross Moriarty offers an abrasiveness that Welsh forwards can sometimes lack.

Moriarty’s return to Welsh rugby has been a successful one, playing regularly for Ospreys and impressing – his trying scoring display against Montpellier this weekend was particularly noteworthy.

Whether Wales have moved on from the former Grand Slam winner remains to be seen, but Moriarty would offer a safe pair of hands in either the blindside flanker or number eight position.

---

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.