Who Will Be the Winners and Losers in Wales' Six Nations Squad?

Wales rugby fans are closely watching as coach Steve Tandy prepares to name his squad for the upcoming Six Nations, particularly after strong club performances from several players. Notably, Rio Dyer has made a significant comeback into contention following his return from Test exclusion, showcasing his skills against European clubs. His resurgence, alongside other hopefuls, could reshape Tandy's selection ahead of the opener against England on 7 February.

Last updated: 30 January 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Six Nations approaches, all eyes are on the Welsh rugby landscape, especially with the announcement of Tandy's squad imminent. Several players have made compelling cases for selection through their performances in the Challenge Cup. Dyer, who has consistently scored tries and contributed assists, is among those who have impressed. His revival, alongside the strong returns of players like Owen Watkin and Ross Moriarty, could create fierce competition for spots in the national team.

Key takeaways

Rio Dyer has returned to form and is a strong contender for the Six Nations squad.
Owen Watkin's impressive comeback from injury enhances Wales' midfield options.
Ross Moriarty brings experience and physicality, despite strong competition in the back row.
Kane James’ potential injury could impact his chances of selection.
Steve Tandy's selection will balance experienced players with emerging talent.

Timeline: how we got here

The lead-up to the Six Nations has been marked by several key dates and events:

February 2023: Rio Dyer makes his Test debut.
January 2024: Dyer is recalled for the autumn series against South Africa.
January 2024: Six Nations squad announcement expected on 6 February.
7 February 2024: Wales faces England in the tournament opener.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent performances in the Challenge Cup have highlighted the potential of several players, particularly Dyer and Watkin, who have both been pivotal for their clubs. Dyer’s scoring ability and Watkin's defensive skills are creating buzz around their potential inclusion in Tandy's squad.

What was already established

It was already known that Tandy would need to make tough decisions regarding player selection, especially with several established players returning from injury. The competition for places in the squad has intensified, with a mix of established players and newcomers vying for a spot.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The national pride surrounding the Six Nations often leads to increased engagement from fans, resulting in higher sales for pubs and merchandise. With Wales aiming for a successful tournament, the economic impact could be significant, especially in hospitality sectors.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector, are likely to benefit from the tournament as fans gather to watch matches. A successful Welsh campaign could further boost local economies through increased footfall and spending.

Policy and regulation

Wales Rugby Union (WRU) is expected to continue its focus on developing homegrown talent, which could influence future funding and support for local clubs as Tandy shapes the national team's future.

Numbers that matter

4: Tries scored by Rio Dyer in his last five games.
10: Months Owen Watkin was sidelined due to injury before returning in December.
54: Total caps won by Ross Moriarty, with his last appearance in March 2022.
20: Age of Kane James, who may be considered a future star for Wales.
31: The age of Angus O'Brien, highlighting the blend of youth and experience in the squad.

Definitions and jargon buster

Challenge Cup: An annual rugby union competition for clubs from across Europe.
URC: United Rugby Championship, a professional rugby union league featuring teams from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa.
Six Nations: An annual international rugby union competition involving England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Tandy will announce his squad on 6 February. Following this, preparation for the opening match against England will intensify, with players needing to demonstrate their fitness and readiness.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the Six Nations progresses, players will be given opportunities to prove themselves. Performance in these matches will be crucial for selection for the World Cup later in the year.

Signals to watch

Player fitness updates, particularly concerning injuries like those affecting Kane James and Jake Ball.
Performance metrics from upcoming club matches leading into the Six Nations.
Public and media reactions to Tandy's squad selection.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on player performances in the Challenge Cup.
Follow updates from the WRU regarding player selections and fitness.
Engage with local businesses during the tournament to support the economy.

Don’t

Dismiss emerging talents like Kane James and Rio Dyer based on previous selections.
Forget the importance of squad chemistry and experience in high-stakes matches.
Overlook the impact of fan support on team morale and performance.

Checklist

Monitor injury reports for key players.
Follow club performances leading up to the Six Nations.
Stay informed about squad announcements and player evaluations.
Engage with local discussions around team selections and strategies.
Plan viewing parties or outings for match day experiences.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Injuries remain a significant risk factor, as seen with Kane James. The uncertainty surrounding player fitness and selection criteria may lead to unexpected squad decisions. Tandy's approach to blending youth with experience will also be closely scrutinised, and external pressures from fans and media could influence his decisions.

Bottom line

The upcoming Six Nations represents a pivotal opportunity for Wales to showcase talent and ambition on the international stage. With several players making strong cases for inclusion, Tandy's decisions will be crucial in shaping the team's direction not just for the tournament but also for future competitions.

FAQs

Who are the key players to watch in the Six Nations for Wales?

Key players include Rio Dyer, Owen Watkin, and Ross Moriarty, all of whom have demonstrated strong performances recently and could impact the team's success in the Six Nations.

When is the Six Nations 2024 starting?

The Six Nations tournament will kick off on 7 February 2024, with Wales facing England in the opening match.

What is the significance of the Challenge Cup for Welsh players?

The Challenge Cup serves as a vital platform for Welsh players to demonstrate their skills and form, influencing their chances of selection for the national team in the Six Nations.