Head coach Steve Tandy emphasizes performance over club affiliation when selecting his squad for the Nations Championship match against Japan in Cardiff. Tandy has included 12 players from English clubs, a record for a 23-man Wales squad, with nine starting, including six forwards.

Tandy stated, "I just see the boys playing the best at the minute and also you put in what fits to how we want to play." He further explained that the focus is on selecting the best players, regardless of their clubs.

Key players in the squad include:

• Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, and Max Llewellyn from Gloucester
• Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol)
• Tomos Williams (Saracens)
• Nicky Smith (Sale)
• Archie Griffin (Bath)
• Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter)
• Aaron Wainwright (Leicester)

Three more players from the English Premiership are on the bench: Tomas Francis (Sale), Rhys Carre (Saracens), and Louis Hennessey (Bath). This shift follows a rule change in February 2023, which lowered the cap requirement for overseas players from 60 to 25.

Tandy noted that the influx of players from outside Wales indicates a growing interest in Welsh talent and their ability to perform at a high level in various environments. He acknowledged the logistical challenges of integrating England-based players into training but remains optimistic about their unique experiences enhancing the squad's performance.

Reflecting on his own coaching journey, Tandy believes that exposure to different styles and environments can be beneficial. He highlighted Wainwright's impact at Leicester, stating that playing in front of large crowds and competing alongside top players elevates the standard and confidence of Welsh players. Tandy concluded by emphasizing the importance of adaptability and learning from diverse experiences in rugby.