Wales squad cuts loom after Barbarians warm-up win

Wales head coach Steve Tandy is expected to reduce his Nations Championship squad early next week, aiming for a final group of 32 to 34 players. The decision follows Wales' 33-31 uncapped warm-up win over the Barbarians at the Allianz Stadium.

The selection call comes after Tandy originally named a 48-man squad, with injuries to Louie Hennessey, Keiron Assiratti and Liam Belcher already affecting the group. At least 11 more players are set to miss out, and medical checks after the Barbarians match will help shape the final touring party.

Wales will also be strengthened by 13 players from English and French clubs who were unavailable for the Barbarians fixture because it sat outside the international window. Dafydd Jenkins, Tomos Williams, Nicky Smith, Rhys Carre and Louis Rees-Zammit are among those due to come into consideration.

The Barbarians game gave Tandy a look at emerging and returning players, including first Wales appearances for Rhys Barratt, Ben Warren, Harrison Keddie and Ryan Woodman. Jac Morgan, Teddy Williams, Dillon Lewis and captain Dewi Lake also returned after long-term injury absences.

With Fiji next at Cardiff City Stadium before away matches against Argentina and South Africa, Tandy's main theme is consistency rather than immediate conclusions. The warm-up win offered useful preparation, but the final squad remains unconfirmed and competition for tour places is still open.