Could Wales Call Up Fly-Half Costelow?

Wales is contemplating changes to its lineup for the Six Nations clash against Scotland, with Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow potentially making a return to the team after a hiatus. Following two significant defeats to England and France, which saw Wales concede a staggering 102 points, coach Steve Tandy is expected to announce his squad on Thursday morning. Costelow, who last played for Wales in July 2025, may replace Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards, who has been in the role for the past seven matches.

Last updated: 28 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Wales prepares for its Six Nations match against Scotland this Saturday, the team is under pressure to deliver a stronger performance after recent heavy losses. Coach Steve Tandy is weighing the option of bringing back Costelow, indicating a shift in strategy as Tandy aims to revitalise the squad. The match will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff at 16:40 GMT, and the outcome is crucial for restoring confidence among players and supporters alike.

Key takeaways

Sam Costelow may return to the starting lineup for Wales against Scotland.
Wales has faced significant challenges, with 23 losses out of the last 25 internationals.
Scotland arrives in Cardiff following a victory over England, intensifying the competitive atmosphere.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the upcoming match has been marked by a series of setbacks for Wales. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading to the match against Scotland:

February 2022: Wales last achieved a home win in the Six Nations against Scotland.
July 2025: Sam Costelow last played for Wales in a match against Japan.
February 2026: Wales suffered back-to-back defeats against England and France, conceding 102 points in total.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Costelow's potential return to the starting lineup is a significant development, as is the consideration for other players like Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Ben Carter to make their marks. The announcement of the squad on Thursday will clarify Tandy's strategy moving forward.

What was already established

Wales has been struggling in the Six Nations, with a record of 13 consecutive defeats in the tournament, highlighting a need for change. The team has predominantly relied on Dan Edwards in recent matches, but this may shift with potential adjustments in the lineup.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The performance of the Welsh national team can significantly influence local morale and community spirit, especially in the run-up to major tournaments. A successful outing against Scotland could reignite enthusiasm for rugby in Wales, potentially boosting attendance and engagement in local events.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail, often see increased patronage during Six Nations matches. A strong performance from Wales could lead to higher footfall in pubs and restaurants as fans gather to support their team.

Policy and regulation

While there are no immediate policy changes linked to the match, the Welsh Rugby Union may need to reassess its strategies for player development and international performance, given the recent poor results.

Numbers that matter

23: Losses out of the last 25 international matches for Wales.
13: Consecutive Six Nations defeats, marking a significant low for the team.
102: Total points conceded by Wales in the last two matches against England and France.
16: Caps won by Ben Carter, who is in contention for a starting role.
25: Age of Sam Costelow, who may return after his last cap in July 2025.

Definitions and jargon buster

Caps: Refers to appearances made by a player in international matches.
Fly-half: The player who directs the attack and often acts as a key decision-maker on the pitch.
Six Nations: An annual rugby union competition involving England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wales must focus on building team cohesion and addressing the tactical issues that led to recent defeats. The upcoming match against Scotland is critical for restoring confidence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Six Nations, Wales will need to evaluate player performances and consider changes in coaching strategies to improve results in future international competitions.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of key players, particularly those returning from injury or those who are new to the squad.
The overall mood and support from fans, which can impact players' performances.
Future selections and strategies hinted at by the coaching staff following the Six Nations.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses during match days by attending pubs and restaurants.
Engage with community events related to the Six Nations.
Stay informed about team announcements and player performances.

Don’t

Don’t engage in negative speculation about player selections before the official announcement.
Don’t overlook the importance of fan support in boosting team morale.
Don’t ignore the broader implications of rugby success on local communities.

Checklist

Check match schedules and timings for local viewing events.
Review player statistics and recent performances for informed support.
Consider attending community events or discussions about the Six Nations.
Follow official rugby union announcements for real-time updates.
Engage with online platforms to share support for the Welsh team.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for last-minute changes in team selection or strategy. Performance outcomes can be unpredictable, and while player changes may bring new energy, they can also create disruption in team dynamics. The coaching staff's decisions will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of any adjustments made ahead of the match.

Bottom line

Wales faces a pivotal moment in its Six Nations campaign with the upcoming match against Scotland. The potential return of key players like Sam Costelow could reshape the team's dynamics and set the tone for the remainder of the tournament. For supporters and stakeholders, the match represents more than just a game; it is an opportunity to restore pride and enthusiasm in Welsh rugby.

FAQs

Will Sam Costelow start against Scotland?

While it’s uncertain, there’s a strong possibility that Sam Costelow will be included in the starting lineup as Wales seeks to improve its performance following recent defeats.

How has Wales performed in the Six Nations recently?

Wales has struggled significantly, losing 13 consecutive Six Nations matches and winning only 2 out of the last 25 internationals.

What impact do recent losses have on Welsh rugby?

The recent heavy defeats have raised concerns about team morale and could affect fan support and engagement in upcoming matches.