Tomos Williams has started every Test he has been available for since Steve Tandy took charge in the summer of 2025. His only absences came outside World Rugby's international window, including last November's defeat by South Africa and June's win over the Barbarians. The former Cardiff scrum-half, who moved from Gloucester to Saracens over the summer, has played past the hour in every game under Tandy.
Wales won three Tests in 2025-26, and Williams played the full 80 minutes against Japan and Fiji. In the 2026 Six Nations he logged 378 minutes, with 10 spent on the sidelines during a yellow card against Ireland. By comparison, France's Dupont played 357 minutes, Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park 323 and Scotland's Ben White 302.
Under Tandy, Williams has shared matchday squads with only two other scrum-halves, Ospreys' Kieran Hardy and Reuben Morgan-Williams. Hardy faces a lengthy lay-off after a knee injury against Dragons, which could open more chances for Morgan-Williams. Ospreys head coach Mark Jones described Morgan-Williams as "a real competitor" who "injects speed into the game."
Tandy still needs a third specialist as he looks ahead to the World Cup. Former Wales centre Jonathan Davies insists Williams, who will be 37 by then, remains one of the fiercest competitors in the game. Meanwhile, Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel has highlighted Dane Blacker, who has started all three URC games so far. Wales are blessed with a world-class scrum-half in Tomos Williams, but Tandy may have to prepare a plan B.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing