**Wales Set to Reveal Squad for Summer Tour of Japan: Key Selections and Coaching Team Awaited**
Anticipation is mounting within Welsh rugby circles as Wales prepares to announce its squad for the upcoming summer tour of Japan. The confirmation, which is expected around midday today, promises to shed light on both player selections and the final arrangement of the coaching staff for the highly anticipated series.
Returning to the helm on an interim basis, Matt Sherratt will resume head coaching duties for this tour. Sherratt, who previously led the side during the Six Nations, is expected to be supported by an experienced backroom team. Harlequins boss Danny Wilson, along with Gethin Jenkins and potentially Leigh Halfpenny, have all been tipped to join the coaching setup. T Rhys Thomas and Adam Jones, who worked on skills and scrum development during the Six Nations, are also likely to retain their roles, offering much-needed continuity.
This tour comes at a time of significant change for the squad, as only two Wales internationals – Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan – have been called up to the British & Irish Lions’ campaign in Australia. While this slightly depletes the pool available for selection, it has opened up opportunities for several uncapped or less-experienced players to stake their claim for the national jersey.
Attention has turned in particular to the scrum-half and flanker positions, both of which present selection dilemmas following Williams and Morgan’s involvement with the Lions. Reuben Morgan-Williams of the Ospreys, still uncapped at international level, has emerged as a favourite to secure his first tour call-up. His performances in domestic rugby have garnered praise, with many believing he has the skills to step up for Wales.
In the back row, Josh Macleod of the Scarlets stands out as a top candidate. Macleod has arguably had one of his best seasons in regional rugby and his consistent displays at openside flanker could see him fill the gap left by Morgan. Similarly, rising star Morgan Morse, still just 20 years old and also with the Ospreys, is another exciting prospect who may make his breakthrough this summer.
The spotlight also falls on the versatility of certain younger players. Scarlets’ Macs Page, who has impressed this season with his adaptability between centre and wing, is being closely watched. Such flexibility could prove invaluable for Sherratt as he balances the squad for a gruelling tour schedule in Japan’s challenging conditions.
The forthcoming announcement is not only significant due to the individual opportunities it presents but also because it will provide clarity on the overall direction Welsh rugby is taking. The tour is being viewed as a crucial testing ground for emerging talent ahead of the next Rugby World Cup cycle, underpinned by the guidance of experienced coaching figures.
While the squad announcement itself is expected at midday, a press conference approximately 90 minutes later will offer further insight into the Wales coaching structure and player selection rationale. Fans and pundits alike will be keeping a keen eye on both the chosen squad and how the coaches articulate their selection policies, particularly in light of recent administrative and structural upheavals within Welsh rugby.
The build-up to this squad reveal has been marked by lively debate amongst supporters. Many see this tour as an ideal moment to blood new talent and develop depth, particularly with the senior squad numbers affected by Lions call-ups and other injuries. Others point to the need for stability and results as Wales seeks to restore confidence within the national game.
As the official squad list is made public later today, the eyes of the rugby world will briefly focus on Wales. Regardless of the final selections, the tour represents a fresh chapter for Welsh rugby and a chance for a new generation to announce themselves on the international stage.