Faletau Left Out of Wales Squad for Nations Championship
Tandy said the 109-cap back rower can still contend for Australia 2027 if he proves his fitness and regular form.
- On Tuesday, Wales coach Steve Tandy announced a 39-man squad for next month's Nations Championship, with the team assembling next week to prepare for home fixtures at Principality Stadium.
- Despite leaving out 'legend' Taulupe Faletau, Tandy insisted the 35-year-old can still make next year's Rugby World Cup despite missing this selection.
- Uncapped trio Che Hope, Aneurin Owen, and Rhys Barratt earned selections, while Tandy named 14 English-based players and recalled Taine Basham, Seb Davies, and Rio Dyer.
- Tandy explained that older athletes must prove they are 'robust enough for a World Cup campaign,' noting that even players in their physical prime struggle to back up 80 minutes every week.
- Wales resumes the Nations Championship campaign against Japan on November 7, followed by home matches against the All Blacks and Wallabies before all 12 teams head to Twickenham for finals weekend.
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Faletau still in Tandy's plans despite being left out of Wales squad
Faletau, Wales's fifth most-capped player with 109 Test appearances, turns 36 in November and is hoping to play at his fourth World Cup in Australia in 2027. He starred in his first appearance since March during Cardiff's Champions Cup defeat to Northampton at the weekend. But Faletau has failed to force his way into a 39-man Wales squad for matches at home to Japan, New Zealand and Australia in the decisive northern hemisphere leg of the inaugu…
Faletau left out of Wales squad for Nations Championship
The 35-year-old Faletau, who is targeting a fourth Rugby World Cup in Australia next year, played for Cardiff in the Champions Cup on Sunday -- his first game since March. Fellow back-row forwards Tommy Reffell and Olly Cracknell were also omitted from head coach Tandy's 39-man group despite their impressive form for Leicester in the English Prem. But the uncapped trio of Aneurin Owen, Che Hope and Rhys Barratt have been included. Scrum-half Hop…
Steve Tandy, head coach of Wales, has announced his squad of 39 players for next month's Nations Championship. After taking on Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in July, Wales will welcome Japan, New Zealand and Australia to Cardiff next month.
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