**Wales Announce Revamped Squad with Six New Faces for Japan Tour Amid Notable Exclusions**
Wales have revealed a strikingly refreshed squad for their upcoming summer tour of Japan, with interim head coach Matt Sherratt selecting six uncapped players and making several unexpected omissions. The announcement marks a significant shake-up as the team seeks to end its lengthy Test win drought, which has now stretched over 600 days since their last international victory.
Among those earning a first call-up to international duty are Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher, Dragons prop Chris Coleman, Ospreys pair Garyn Phillips (loosehead) and Reuben Morgan-Williams (scrum-half), Scarlets back Macs Page, and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles. These new selections reflect a strategic move by Sherratt, who has chosen a blend of youth and experience for the two-Test tour to Japan.
Leading the squad in the absence of the injured Lions flanker Jac Morgan is Dewi Lake, the Ospreys hooker who captained Wales during the summer and autumn Tests in 2023. With only Jac Morgan and scrum-half Tomos Williams away on British and Irish Lions duty, the coaching staff had some flexibility with selections, yet some high-profile players will be missing from the line-up. Notable absentees include Gareth Anscombe, Max Llewellyn, James Botham, Ellis Mee, and Nick Tompkins, all of whom featured in the recent Six Nations campaign but now miss out on selection.
The second row department has also seen changes, with Adam Beard and Will Rowlands being rested, while Dafydd Jenkins and Henry Thomas are sidelined through injury. These personnel shifts provide opportunities for fresh talent to stake their claim on the international stage, further underlining the transitional mood within Welsh rugby at present.
In addition to the influx of new faces, several familiar names have received recalls to the national set-up. Kieran Hardy, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, James Ratti, Johnny Williams, and Cameron Winnett all make their return. Meanwhile, Ben Carter, Sam Costelow, and Archie Griffin are back after injury absences, adding valuable experience as Wales look to rebuild momentum.
Speaking about the squad selection, interim coach Matt Sherratt expressed excitement about the coming campaign. “I’m looking forward to gathering the squad ahead of our summer challenge,” Sherratt stated. “There’s a strong blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers, and I believe this group is full of potential. Facing Japan on their home soil will be a stern test, but it’s one we relish.”
Preparation for the tour will see players join the national camp in a staggered fashion, depending on their club commitments, before the squad departs for Japan in late June. The two Test matches are scheduled for July 5 in Kitakyushu and July 12 in Kobe—a crucial series as Wales aim to rebuild confidence and secure their first win since defeating Georgia at the Rugby World Cup in October 2023.
The overhaul comes amid wider uncertainty in the Welsh setup, with no full-time replacement yet named following Warren Gatland’s mid-Six Nations departure. Sherratt remains in the interim role, having also guided the team during the closing matches of the Six Nations.
This tour offers opportunities not only for the new faces but also for Sherratt and his staff to assess the squad’s future direction. With over 600 days without a victory, pressure will mount for tangible progress, while supporters will be keen to see how the fresh recruits adapt to the demands of Test rugby.
The full 33-man squad features a mix of forwards and backs, including the uncapped players. Forwards named are Keiron Assiratti, Liam Belcher, Ben Carter, Chris Coleman, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (captain), Josh Macleod, Alex Mann, Garyn Phillips, Taine Plumtree, James Ratti, Tommy Reffell, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright, and Teddy Williams. The backs contingent comprises Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Dan Edwards, Keelan Giles, Kieran Hardy, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Johnny Williams, Rhodri Williams, and Cameron Winnett.
With sights firmly set on reversing the team’s fortunes, all eyes will now turn to Wales’ preparation camp and whether this fresh-faced squad can lay the foundations for renewed success on the international stage.