The Leicester Tigers and Bath pair have been picked in an exciting selection that will be led by captain and hooker Dewi Lake. There are 877 caps in the 38-player group.

Elsewhere, former Exeter Chiefs tighthead prop and current Provence Rugby front-row Tomas Francis is selected for Wales for the first time since the 2023 World Cup.

James Botham, Sam Costelow, Ryan Elias, Josh Macleod, Mason Grady, Eddie James and Owen Watkin are also named in a crop that has an average age of 26 and a half.

Tandy said: "There are a few changes to the squad from the autumn, some due to injury but others are a sign of the competition there is and how many players we have in the mix which is a real positive.

"We have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can't wait for us to assemble next week."

"I'm excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group."

On the captaincy in the absence of the injured Jac Morgan, Tandy added: "Dewi is great man and so passionate about Wales which everyone can see.

"I thought he was outstanding in the way he led during the autumn, not only in the three games he was captain but also how he supported Jac prior to that. I know he will continue to do an amazing job in the role this Six Nations."

Players will assemble in camp on Monday, January 26, to begin preparations for the Championship.

Wales begin their Six Nations campaign on Saturday, February 7, away to England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The following weekend they return to Cardiff to host France at Principality Stadium on Sunday, February 15. In a new format to the Championship, Wales then face Scotland at home on Saturday, February 21 before a fallow week.

Wales then travel to Dublin to face Ireland on Friday, March 6, before a week later returning back home to host Italy in the middle fixture on 'Super Saturday' March 14 in the final round of the campaign.

As agreed with Six Nations and announced ahead of last year's competition, Principality Stadium's roof will close for all three of Wales' home Six Nations fixtures in 2026.

Wales squad for 2026 Six Nations

Forwards: Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby), James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby), Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, captain), Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)

Backs: Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester Tigers), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby), Eddie James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby)

READ MORE: Six Nations: Gregor Townsend names extended Scotland squad

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