Wales Rugby Coach Warren Gatland Unveils 2025 Six Nations Squad
Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland has named his squad for the 2025 Six Nations Championship, aiming to bounce back from what has been defined as one of the darkest periods for Welsh rugby. The squad comprises 34 players and reflects both rising talents and seasoned veterans and is selected against the backdrop of the team’s poor performance history, having lost their last 12 matches, with the last victory recorded against Georgia during the 2023 World Cup.
According to reports, the squad announcement showcased Gatland's strategy to restore confidence and competitiveness within the team. "We’ve selected a squad we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience," Gatland remarked, symbolizing hope for resurgence. This mixture has greater significance as Wales finished bottom of last year’s Six Nations and failed to clinch any wins during their summer or autumn international fixtures.
This year, exciting new players feature prominently. Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards and Scarlets winger Ellis Mee mark their uncapped selections, highlighting Gatland’s strategy to integrate fresh talent. Edwards, at just 21 years old, has demonstrated strong performances with the Ospreys, making him one of only two fly-halves named, besides Cardiff's Ben Thomas, who has also played at centre. Unfortunately, more experienced options like Gloucester's Gareth Anscombe and Scarlets' Sam Costelow are sidelined due to injuries.
Gatland's squad includes notable players returning to action, including Josh Adams, Taulupe Faletau, and Liam Williams, all having missed the Autumn Nations Series due to injuries. Such returns are considered pivotal, restoring strength to the roster as the team grapples with injuries affecting star players, including captain Dewi Lake who is likely to miss the entirety of the championship.
Instead of Lake, back-rower Jac Morgan will captain the squad. Morgan’s leadership role marks his ascending profile within Welsh rugby, especially since he played as captain previously during the World Cup. Gatland discussed Morgan's selection, emphasizing the significant potential among the younger players like Morgan and the central need for experienced heads to guide them through tough matches.
The squad for the Six Nations is structured as follows:
- Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, WillGriff John, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan (captain), Sam Parry, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams.
- Backs: Josh Adams, Ellis Bevan, Dan Edwards, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Blair Murray, Joe Roberts, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Rhodri Williams, Tomos Williams.
Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against France on January 31st, followed by matches against Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and England. Each of these games poses unique challenges as Wales seeks to reverse their grim record of 12 consecutive Test defeats. These fixtures will be pivotal as they navigate the competition, aiming for improved team cohesion and performance.
Reflecting on the upcoming competitive challenges, Gatland said, "Every single training session is incredibly important for our preparation for the first game... We will be working incredibly hard together this campaign. The Six Nations is filled with passion and rivalries, and we have good challenges to start the Championship away in France." His words embody the resolve to improve and rekindle the squad's effectiveness on the field.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the tournament, it is worth noting the pressure mounting on Gatland as head coach. His position had been under scrutiny following Wales’ dismal results over the last year. The recent announcements of players omitting from the squad such as Max Llewellyn, Rio Dyer, and Cameron Winnett have only amplified discussions about team selection philosophy and future prospects.
The momentum surrounding the Six Nations will provide pivotal insights not only for the players involved but also for the management team as they evaluate performance, identify tactical adjustments, and build morale as the campaign progresses. This year’s Six Nations stands as both a challenge and opportunity for the Welsh team to show their dedication and resilience.
Looking beyond the immediate tournament, Gatland’s focus remains on cultivating future talent and creating competitive depth across the squad. Addressing the media, he reassured those overlooked for selection, stating, "... there are going to be some very disappointed players who have missed out on selection. The message to them is to keep working hard because you never know what may happen." The coach's supportive approach aims to keep enthusiasm high among all players seeking to make their mark.
The upcoming matches will not only test the squad's cohesion and capability but will also reaffirm Wales' commitment to returning to the upper echelons of international rugby. The real test starts against France, and only time will reveal if this blend of experience and youthful vigor can break the streak and revive Welsh rugby’s competitive spirit.