**Wales Announce Squad for Test Against Japan with Star Pair Set as Replacements**
The Wales rugby team has revealed its line-up for the opening Test against Japan in Kitakyushu this Saturday, with notable changes to the expected starting fifteen. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt has made the bold decision to leave experienced internationals Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell on the bench, preferring to hand starting roles to Alex Mann and Josh Macleod in the back-row.
Wainwright and Reffell, who have combined for 84 international appearances, might ordinarily have been among the first names on the team sheet, yet Sherratt is looking to the future and rotating his squad amid the challenging conditions expected in Japan. With soaring heat and high humidity forecast for the match, Wales have chosen to go with a 6-2 forwards to backs bench split, favouring additional forward cover.
In the reshuffled back-row, Cardiff’s Alex Mann and the Scarlets’ Josh Macleod — who share just seven caps between them — join the vastly experienced Taulupe Faletau. For Macleod, this start represents a significant personal milestone. He has battled through injury setbacks over recent years and, according to his coach, earned his recall with a string of strong performances at club level.
Among the replacements, Cardiff skipper Liam Belcher could make his international debut, providing another heartening storyline. Belcher’s career is a testament to resilience and perseverance, having switched clubs, returned to university to retrain as an electrician, and maintained his commitment to rugby throughout. Sherratt highlighted the enthusiasm within the squad for Belcher’s selection, commending the hooker’s tenacity and dedication.
A number of players are returning to the national side after an absence, with Johnny Williams, Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy and Ben Carter all earning recalls. Williams, who last played a Test in the 2023 World Cup pool stage, adds continental experience to the midfield, while Costelow returns at fly-half, marking his first appearance since last autumn’s internationals. Scrum-half Kieran Hardy and Ben Carter, who were both involved on last year’s summer tour, bring further depth to the matchday squad.
The major changes see only four players retaining their starting places from the side that finished the Six Nations: loosehead Nicky Smith, No. 8 Faletau, centre Ben Thomas, and full-back Blair Murray. In the second-row, Teddy Williams of Cardiff, the club’s player of the season, partners Ben Carter. The front-row will feature Smith, captain Dewi Lake, and Keiron Assiratti.
At half-back, Hardy will link up with his former Scarlets teammate Costelow, bringing a familiar partnership into the crucial playmaking positions. Meanwhile, midfield duties fall to the new pairing of Ben Thomas and Johnny Williams, while the back three is composed of Tom Rogers and Josh Adams on the wings with Blair Murray at full-back.
On the bench, experienced campaigners such as Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Rhodri Williams, and Joe Roberts join Wainwright and Reffell. Sherratt has emphasised the importance of the entire 23-man squad, noting the role that substitutes are expected to play in maintaining intensity and adapting to the game’s demands as the heat takes its toll.
Addressing the media ahead of the match, Sherratt acknowledged the humanitarian aspect of bringing less experienced players back into the fold, as well as the importance of spreading squad experience throughout both starters and replacements. He highlighted the need for Wales to translate a strong week of training into an effective 80-minute performance, noting that adapting to Japan’s trademark tempo and the demanding weather conditions would be crucial.
Off the field, the Welsh team has reportedly felt a warm welcome in Kitakyushu, with coach Sherratt expressing hope that the Test will provide a memorable occasion for both players and supporters. As Wales seek to snap their current losing run and build momentum for the summer tour, Saturday’s match promises to be a significant fixture for the developing squad.
**Starting XV**
Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti; Ben Carter, Teddy Williams; Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.
**Replacements**
Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.
With evolving selection strategies, player development and a nod to the future, Wales are set for a challenging but potentially rewarding encounter against Japan in Kitakyushu.