Cardiff, January 10, 2024
In a significant nod to the talent within the Cardiff rugby ranks, 11 players from the Welsh capital have earned spots in the 34-man squad announced by Wales’ head coach, Warren Gatland, for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship. The squad features five new faces, four of whom hail from the Blue and Blacks. Evan Lloyd, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, and Cam Winnett have all earned their places, showcasing the depth and quality of Cardiff’s rugby talent.
The experienced trio of Keiron Assiratti, Corey Domachowski, and Teddy Williams retain their spots in the squad, while the return of James Botham adds a valuable dynamic. Gatland emphasized the blend of experience, with seasoned players like George North and Gareth Davies providing continuity. Simultaneously, the infusion of young talent aims to give them exposure at the international level.
Gatland expressed his excitement about nurturing the younger players over the next four years, aligning with the team’s preparation for the next Rugby World Cup cycle. The squad’s average age is around 25, signaling a deliberate move to build experience in preparation for future challenges.
Dafydd Jenkins of Exeter Chiefs has been named captain, a decision Gatland justified by highlighting Jenkins’ professionalism and leadership qualities. Gatland underlined the importance of going back to basics and honing fundamental skills, emphasizing a reset in goals and objectives for the team.
The squad includes former Cardiff pathway product Ioan Lloyd, adding to the local connection. Gatland sees the first game against Scotland at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on February 3, as a crucial opportunity to start the Six Nations campaign on a strong note. Gatland emphasized the significance of this match, especially with a full crowd and a packed stadium, setting the stage for an intense competition.
The detailed squad list includes several uncapped players, underlining Gatland’s commitment to providing opportunities to emerging talents. As the squad gears up for the Six Nations, the focus is not only on the tournament but also on developing a collective approach to support regional rugby in Wales.
Wales Squad for 2024 Guinness Six Nations:
Forwards (19):
- Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 6 caps)
- Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets – 1 cap)
- Gareth Thomas (Ospreys / Gweilch – 26 caps)
- Elliot Dee (Dragons / Dreigiau – 46 caps)
- Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 38 caps)
- Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – uncapped)
- Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 2 caps)
- Leon Brown (Dragons / Dreigiau – 23 caps)
- Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – uncapped)
- Adam Beard (Ospreys / Gweilch – 51 caps)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs / Caerwysg – 12 caps)
- Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 29 caps)
- Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 1 cap)
- Taine Basham (Dragons / Dreigiau – 16 caps)
- James Botham (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 9 caps)
- Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – uncapped)
- Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – uncapped)
- Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers / Caerlŷr – 13 caps)
- Aaron Wainwright (Dragons / Dreigiau – 43 caps)
Backs (15):
- Gareth Davies (Scarlets – 74 caps)
- Kieran Hardy (Scarlets – 18 caps)
- Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 53 caps)
- Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 8 caps)
- Cai Evans (Dragons / Dreigiau – 1 cap)
- Ioan Lloyd (Scarlets – 2 caps)
- Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 6 caps)
- George North (Ospreys / Gweilch – 118 caps)
- Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 1 cap)
- Nick Tompkins (Saracens / Saraseniaid – 32 caps)
- Owen Watkin (Ospreys / Gweilch – 36 caps)
- Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – 53 caps)
- Rio Dyer (Dragons / Dreigiau – 14 caps)
- Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 3 caps)
- Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby / Caerdydd – uncapped)