Wales coach Matt Tandy has called up 11 England-based players for the Nations Championship match against Japan, reflecting a significant rule change in February 2023 that lowered the eligibility cap from 60 to 25. Gloucester trio Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, and Max Llewellyn join Bristol's Louis Rees-Zammit, Saracens' Tomos Williams, Sale's Nicky Smith, Bath's Archie Griffin, Exeter's Dafydd Jenkins, and Leicester's Aaron Wainwright. Tandy believes the movement of Welsh talent to other leagues indicates other countries want Welsh players, who are performing at the highest level.
He stated, "That's exciting for us. They're also experiencing different environments and receiving different stimulus." Despite logistical challenges with preparation time, Tandy recognizes the benefits, noting players gain experience from full stadiums and different coaching styles. He added, "We can either complain about having 20 players playing overseas, or we can recognise the benefits." Tandy, who returned as national head coach in 2025 after stints in Australia and Scotland, emphasized that moving players broadens their perspective.
He highlighted Wainwright's impact at Leicester, stating, "Probably playing in Leicester with sellout crowds and the challenge of working with people like Ollie Chessum... the standard goes up again." The squad includes players from Exeter, Bath, and other Premiership clubs, showcasing the growing international reach of Welsh rugby talent.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing