Wales have called up Dewi Lake to their Six Nations squad, with interim head coach Matt Sherratt making the announcement. The Ospreys hooker, who led Wales during last year’s summer and autumn campaigns, missed out on the initial selection due to bicep surgery in December. The news of Lake’s inclusion comes alongside the release of 18 players back to their clubs for this weekend’s United Rugby Championship matches. Among those returning to their regions are Ospreys’ Sam Parry, Ben Warren, and Dan Edwards, Scarlets’ Taine Plumtree and Joe Roberts, and Cardiff’s Ellis Bevan.
In addition to the six Welsh-based players, the remaining 12 members of the Wales squad playing outside the country will also be heading back to their clubs as per the player release rules. This includes players from clubs such as Gloucester, Exeter, Leicester, Harlequins, Saracens, and Racing 92. Despite the absence of these players, the return of Lake to the squad serves as a significant boost for Wales. The 25-year-old, with 18 caps to his name, has not played in the Six Nations since 2022 due to injuries sustained in the past tournaments.
Lake has been working on his fitness with the Wales team in recent weeks, following the departure of Warren Gatland as the head coach. His recall to the squad marks his readiness to potentially feature in the upcoming fixtures against Scotland and England. Alongside Lake, the hooker options for Wales include Evan Lloyd from Cardiff, Elliot Dee from Dragons, and Sam Parry from Ospreys. Lake’s return to the Wales squad highlights his resilience and determination to overcome setbacks and contribute to the team’s success. His last appearance was in December against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup before sustaining an injury in training, requiring surgical intervention.
The Ospreys head coach, Mark Jones, had hinted that Lake could return earlier than expected, and his inclusion in the squad confirms his recovery progress. The addition of Lake brings depth and experience to the Welsh team, providing options and leadership in the crucial Six Nations campaign. Sherratt, who is leading Wales until the end of the tournament, will be looking to harness Lake’s skills and influence on and off the field. As preparations intensify for the remaining matches, Wales will benefit from Lake’s presence and his eagerness to make a significant impact.
In conclusion, Dewi Lake’s call-up to the Wales Six Nations squad underscores his perseverance and commitment to representing his country at the highest level. Despite setbacks due to injuries in previous tournaments, Lake’s return demonstrates his resilience and passion for the game. As Wales prepares for crucial fixtures in the Six Nations, Lake’s experience and leadership will be invaluable assets to the team. With his inclusion, Wales gains a determined and skilled player who is ready to contribute to the team’s success on the international stage.