Tandy explains Wales recalls as Dyer and Seb Davies return to 39-man squad

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has outlined the reasons for several of his Nations Championship selections after naming a 39-man squad on Tuesday. BBC Sport Wales reported that Rio Dyer, Seb Davies, Taine Basham and Gabriel Hamer-Webb have been recalled, with uncapped players Aneurin Owen, Che Hope and Rhys Barratt also included for November's competition.

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Davies returns to the international squad having last played for Wales against Italy in the 2022 Six Nations. The 30-year-old Dragons forward has 17 caps and can play at lock or in the back row. Tandy highlighted his athletic qualities and said an earlier alignment camp had allowed him to spend time with the group. Davies joins a squad that also includes second-row options Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Adam Beard and Teddy Williams.

Dyer's recall follows his absence from the Six Nations and summer Tests. The Dragons wing won his 24th cap against South Africa last autumn, and Tandy pointed to improvements in his aerial contests and work rate as reasons for bringing him back. Scarlets wing Macs Page was left out despite scoring four tries in four appearances and making nine line breaks. Tandy praised Page's form but said the competition among Wales' wings and back-field players was strong.

There are also changes in midfield, where Ben Thomas is unavailable because of a calf injury. Owen, a specialist inside centre, has been rewarded for his performances with Dragons. Tandy praised his consistency, standards and commitment to improving after injury setbacks. Owen was previously part of a Wales squad in the summer of 2021 but remains uncapped. Tandy also reiterated that he primarily sees Eddie James as an outside centre, while acknowledging his ability to play at 12.

Other players missing from the squad include Taulupe Faletau, Elliot Dee, Bryn Bradley and Mason Grady. Tandy revealed that Tommy Reffell had suffered a knee injury. Discussing the selection process, the coach said he had made difficult calls to players who were performing well but had not been included, and wanted them to understand their standing.

Tandy has used 54 players across his first 13 matches in charge after leaving his Scotland defence role in the summer of 2025. Although the World Cup squad in Australia will be limited to 33, he said opportunities still had to be earned and that bringing players into the Wales environment remained valuable. He described himself as clear about the core of his group while continuing to assess further options.