Left to face the flak and fall-out after the Welsh Rugby Union’s attempt to use the sale of Cardiff as a device to cull one professional team, Tandy has revealed a first call-up for uncapped wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb amid the ongoing chaos in Welsh domestic rugby.
Tandy’s 38-man group was confirmed against a backdrop of deep uncertainty, with the Welsh Rugby Union in the midst of negotiations that could ultimately reduce the number of professional men’s teams from four to three.
The squad announcement came just hours after the WRU board met to consider bids for the future ownership of Cardiff, with Ospreys owners, Y11, understood to be the chosen bidder.
Addressing the instability surrounding the game in Wales, Tandy acknowledged the unavoidable distraction but insisted transparency and honesty with players was essential.
“For me, there’s always something you don’t want to talk about,” said Tandy.
“It’s very similar to the autumn and we want to get connected to the boys and spend a lot of time with them.
“I understand there’s speculation and there’s doubt around a lot of things, so for me it’s being honest with them.
“If they’ve got something to share, if they’re seeking more clarity or anything they want to talk about then we have to be open.
“One thing we can’t do is run away from it or pretend it’s not happening.”
Tandy added that, while the situation was “far from perfect”, his focus remained firmly on the people within the environment.
“I think that worked well for us coming into the autumn, it’s far from perfect but ultimately for me it’s putting the players, the staff and the people at the centre of it.
“If they’ve got any reservations or if they want someone to talk to or to understand I’ll be doing that with the players.
“There’s always that distraction. When you’re talking about all the speculation, everyone’s talking about it.
“You can’t run away from it and you can’t put it out of your mind.”
Despite that, Tandy believes his squad are capable of blocking out the noise.
“The one thing that’s been amazing with these players is what it means to play for Wales and how in sport they can compartmentalise and get on with their training week.
“I believe we’re building enough of a connection on the rugby side with the players that they’ll be truly motivated and I think the best way to do the talking is on the field.”
Against that turbulent backdrop, Tandy has looked to inject fresh energy into his squad, most notably through the inclusion of Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb.
The 25-year-old, who qualifies for Wales through his mother, is one of two uncapped players alongside Bath centre Louie Hennessey, who was involved in the autumn squad.
Hamer-Webb left Cardiff to join Leicester at the start of the 2025-26 season after impressing in Welsh rugby, though he is not currently a guaranteed starter at Welford Road.
Previously capped by England at age-grade level, his selection reflects Tandy’s desire to widen the talent pool at a time when Wales have lost their last 11 Six Nations matches, with their most recent Championship victory coming against Italy in March 2023.
The squad also marks the return of experienced tight-head prop Tomas Francis, who has not featured for Wales since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina in Marseille.
Now 33, Francis has won 77 caps, played in three World Cups and was part of Six Nations title-winning sides in 2019 and 2021.
Wales have struggled to fill the void he left, and his recall provides much-needed experience in a problem position.
Francis, who will join Sale Sharks from French second-division side Provence ahead of the 2026-27 season, is one of three tight-head options alongside Keiron Assiratti and Archie Griffin.
He is also targeting a place at a fourth World Cup in Australia next year.
Elsewhere, Tandy has recalled Josh Macleod, Sam Costelow, James Botham, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady and Ryan Elias, while notable absentees include Rio Dyer, Tommy Reffell, Nick Tompkins and Callum Sheedy.
With flanker Jac Morgan sidelined after dislocating his shoulder in the autumn, hooker Dewi Lake will again captain the side, with Taulupe Faletau and Max Llewellyn also unavailable through injury.
There are 13 players based in England or France within the squad, and 14 drawn from Cardiff and the Ospreys at a time when the future of both regions is the subject of intense speculation.
The WRU is entering a period of talks with Y11 and “hopes to finalise the detailed negotiations with the preferred bidder and sign a binding agreement within a matter of weeks”.
On the squad itself, Tandy stressed the sense of competition and balance he feels he has achieved.
“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,” he said.
“I think 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.”
He also backed Lake to thrive in the captaincy role once more.
“Dewi is great man and so passionate about Wales which I think everyone can see,” added Tandy.
“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.”
