Wales has named hooker Dewi Lake captain for the summer internationals, replacing fit‑again flanker Jac Morgan who is sidelined by injury. Lake, who has captained eight Tests in the 2025 Autumn Series and 2026 Six Nations, will lead the side against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. The decision follows Morgan’s dislocation of a shoulder during a try early season.

Lake’s appointment echoes his tenure as co‑captain alongside Morgan at the 2023 World Cup under Warren Gatland, and mirrors Steve Tandy’s strategy to keep a hooker as the primary leader during the July Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the Nations Championship. Lake, a Gloucester‑bound Ospreys forward, will share leadership duties with Morgan, who will also move to Gloucester after the tour.

With Lake at the helm, Wales faces a critical run of matches that will test depth and resilience. The squad includes Gloucester‑bound players like Aaron Wainwright, while the Baa‑Baas fixture remains uncapped due to the window. Lake’s leadership will be pivotal as the team prepares for the double‑header against the Barbarians, setting the tone for the season’s campaign.