**Wales Face Selection Dilemma at Scrum-Half Ahead of Japan Rugby Tour as New Faces Stake Claim**
The recent British and Irish Lions squad announcement has cast a revealing light on the current fortunes of Welsh rugby. With just two players from Wales earning selection in Andy Farrell’s 38-man touring party to Australia, the nation will find itself largely at full strength for its own summer series—an opportunity but also a reflection on its struggles in the modern game.
Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan and Gloucester scrum-half Tomos Williams will be the only Welshmen making the journey Down Under, while their compatriots remain available for Wales’ crucial tour of Japan. This comes at a critical juncture for the national side, which is desperate to halt an alarming 17-Test losing streak. The hope is that facing Japan—currently ranked below Wales in the world standings, and without significant selection handicaps—may represent an ideal moment to finally reverse their fortunes.
While Morgan’s leadership and prowess will be missed, his absence is somewhat tempered by the presence of Tommy Reffell, an outstanding openside flanker ready to slot into the side. However, the selection of Williams for the Lions has created a significant talking point: who will fill the scrum-half role in his absence? This question will be a primary concern for whoever is appointed to lead Wales in Japan this summer, marking the position out as one of the most intriguing areas for selection and development.
Williams, despite operating within a struggling Welsh outfit during the recent Six Nations, remained clearly first choice under Warren Gatland, starting all five matches and even completing the full eighty minutes against Ireland. Since Gatland’s return for his second spell in late 2022, Williams has been the only scrum-half to enjoy any sustained run in the team, starting in 16 out of 29 Tests.
Meanwhile, the alternatives at No. 9 present a mix of experience and untested potential. Gareth Davies and Rhys Webb, both seasoned internationals, have since stepped away from Test rugby. Davies, despite being dropped from the Wales set-up last year under Gatland, has enjoyed a strong club season with the Scarlets, but a return to international action seems unlikely. Ellis Bevan, the only other scrum-half to have started for Wales this season, has seen his Test ambitions stall somewhat, missing out entirely on Six Nations selection after a difficult club campaign with Cardiff.
Complicating Bevan’s case has been increased competition for playing time at club level. A strong finish to last campaign earned him senior national attention, but this season has seen Bevan competing alongside the likes of Aled Davies and Johan Mulder, with limited appearances reflecting the selection conundrum facing Welsh rugby’s coaching staff.
Elsewhere, Rhodri Williams’ recall last autumn after a decade in the wilderness provided a short-term solution, as he came in as cover for Tomos Williams during the Six Nations. However, the 32-year-old’s future involvement under a prospective new coach remains uncertain, with indications that the selectors may opt to refresh the squad ahead of the tour.
Adding further competition is Kieran Hardy, whose move to the Ospreys has bolstered his form and reignited talk of a national recall. With substantial Test experience and recent performances at club level, he is a strong contender for the trip to Japan. He is joined by Ospreys team-mate Reuben Morgan-Williams, a consistent performer tipped to be pushing for a maiden call-up.
Despite a handful of options, the broader concern for Wales remains the lack of emerging talent in the scrum-half ranks. It is notable that Bevan became the first new cap at the position in four years—a testament to both the consistency but also the lack of depth within the national set-up.
Ultimately, the only result that truly matters for Wales on tour is victory. However, with Tomos Williams set to be unavailable and question marks over his successors, this summer may also force the Welsh management to focus on building much-needed depth at scrum-half—a challenge that mirrors the team’s wider need for positive change as it seeks to rebuild its rugby standing on the global stage.