The Cardiff prop has been drafted in for the Six Nations following an injury blow to Keiron Assiratti.
The 27-year-old tighthead Wainright has not featured at international level since the autumn of 2022, but is now back in the frame after Assiratti suffered a calf problem during Cardiff’s 17-8 United Rugby Championship victory over Benetton on Saturday.
Assiratti, 28, was forced off after 56 minutes and is now set to miss the championship.
Wainwright’s recall brings him back into the Wales set-up for the first time since his fourth cap, which came in the narrow 13-12 defeat to Georgia in Cardiff — a match that ultimately proved to be Wayne Pivac’s last in charge.
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Earlier that year, he had made his Test debut off the bench against South Africa and also featured in the historic series which saw Wales record their first-ever victory over the Springboks on South African soil.
Now, four years on, Wainwright gets another opportunity at international level, joining Archie Griffin and the returning Tomas Francis as Wales’ tight-head options.
Francis has re-entered the international picture for the first time since 2023, while Griffin provides further depth in the number three jersey.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy welcomed Wainwright back into the group.
"It's disappointing for Keiron, but that gives an opportunity for Sam and we're delighted for him to join the group," said Tandy.
The reshuffle comes as Wales continue to manage a growing injury list, with captain Jac Morgan, Cardiff number eight Max Llewellyn, Exeter lock Christ Tshiunza and Gloucester centre Max Llewellyn also sidelined.
Wales begin their 2026 Six Nations campaign against England at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, 7 February, before concluding the tournament at home to Italy on 14 March.
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Wales squad for 2026 Six Nations
Forwards (20): Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, capt), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Sam Wainwright (Cardiff).
Backs (18): Josh Adams (Cardiff), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Eddie James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).
