Dafydd Jenkins will miss the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures for Wales after sustaining a shoulder injury while playing for Exeter. The 23-year-old, who was a fixture throughout the recent Six Nations tournament, suffered the setback during the Chiefs’ Premiership final defeat against Northampton. Consequently, he has not been included in head coach Steve Tandy’s 33-man squad for the games against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa.
Tandy has introduced two uncapped players to the final group: Ospreys prop Ben Warren and Exeter forward Kane James. The selection process required trimming an initial 48-man training squad, a group that recently secured a 33-31 victory over the Barbarians. Among the returning players are those previously unavailable due to club commitments in England, including Louis Rees-Zammit and Tommy Reffell.
With Jenkins unavailable, the coaching staff will rely on specialists Adam Beard, Ben Carter, and Teddy Williams at lock. Adam Beard joins the group following his recent appearance for Montpellier in the Top 14 final. Tandy noted that the squad selection aims to replicate the depth and competition necessary for the 2027 World Cup. Wales begins their tournament schedule against Fiji this Saturday at Cardiff City Stadium.
