Wales head coach Warren Gatland has unveiled his 34-player squad for the 2025 Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship, introducing a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Leadership and Key Returns
With captain Dewi Lake sidelined due to injury, Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan assumes the captaincy. The squad welcomes back several pivotal players who missed the 2024 Autumn Nations Series:
- Josh Adams
- Elliot Dee
- Taulupe Faletau
- Dafydd Jenkins
- Joe Roberts
- Liam Williams
New Faces
Gatland has introduced two uncapped players:
- Dan Edwards
- Ellis Mee
Both have showcased impressive form in the United Rugby Championship and European Challenge Cup.
Squad Composition
The squad's average age is 26, reflecting a strategic mix of youth and experience. Notably, eight players are poised for their Six Nations debuts, including Ellis Bevan, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Blair Murray, and Freddie Thomas, who earned their first international caps in 2024.
Gatland's Perspective
Gatland expressed confidence in the selected squad, stating:
"We’ve selected a squad that we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience. This group of players has a huge amount of potential, and we will be working incredibly hard together this campaign."
Upcoming Fixtures
Wales' Six Nations campaign begins with a challenging away match against France in Paris on January 31, followed by:
February 8: Italy (Rome)
February 22: Ireland (Cardiff)
March 8: Scotland (Edinburgh)
March 15: England (Cardiff)
Gatland emphasized the importance of preparation, noting:
"Every single training session is incredibly important in terms of our preparation for that first game, and I’ll be looking to see a lot of hard work and everyone working ... ."
Full team
Forwards
Keiron ASSIRATTI
James BOTHAM
Elliot DEE
Taulupe FALETAU
Dafydd JENKINS
WillGriff JOHN
Evan LLOYD
Kemsley MATHIAS
C - Jac MORGAN
Sam PARRY
Tommy REFFELL
Will ROWLANDS
Nicky SMITH
Gareth THOMAS
Freddie THOMAS
Henry THOMAS
Christ TSHIUNZA
Aaron WAINWRIGHT
Teddy WILLIAMS
Backs
Josh ADAMS
Ellis BEVAN
Dan EDWARDS
Josh HATHAWAY
Eddie JAMES
Ellis MEE
Blair MURRAY
Joe ROBERTS
Tom ROGERS
Ben THOMAS
Nick TOMPKINS
Owen WATKIN
Liam WILLIAMS
Rhodri WILLIAMS
Tomos WILLIAMS
As Wales seeks to rebound from a challenging period, this squad represents a strategic effort to blend experience with emerging talent, aiming for a successful Six Nations campaign.
