Aaron Wainwright misses Wales training as leg injury casts doubt on All Blacks appearance

Aaron Wainwright is an injury doubt for Wales' Nations Championship meeting with New Zealand after missing training on Tuesday with a leg problem, according to BBC Sport Wales. The number eight has been seen wearing a protective boot, but the report did not confirm that he would miss Saturday's match in Cardiff.

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BBC Sport's Gareth Griffiths reported that the 29-year-old had picked up a leg injury, leaving head coach Steve Tandy with a fitness concern before naming his team on Thursday. Wainwright started Wales' 28-21 victory over Japan last Saturday, when he earned his 71st international cap. He was the most experienced forward in the Welsh squad.

Wainwright joined Leicester from Dragons for the start of the 2025-26 season. His possible absence would remove a senior figure from the pack as well as an important attacking option: the BBC report described him as Wales' most effective forward ball-carrier. With the team announcement still to come, his availability remains unresolved rather than a confirmed withdrawal.

Taine Basham is the leading candidate to take over if Wainwright cannot play, according to the BBC, with Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree the other option in the squad. Basham earned his recall after strong domestic performances at number eight for Cardiff. He has not appeared for Wales since the 2024 Six Nations, so selection would mark a return to international action after a lengthy absence.

New Zealand also have an injury-enforced absence, with wing Will Jordan ruled out of the Wales game by a hamstring problem. Centre Jordie Barrett, however, is available for selection after completing the head injury assessment protocols. The match is scheduled for 14 November at the Principality Stadium, with kick-off at 14:10 GMT.

Wales are fifth in the six-team northern hemisphere standings, having won two of their four Nations Championship matches. After facing the All Blacks, they will host Australia on 21 November. The competition then moves to its finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, at the end of the month, completing the November programme outlined in the BBC report.