WRU to ask regions to release players for Wales training before 2026 Six Nations

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will ask the four professional regions to release players for Wales training periods before next year’s Six Nations.

Wales lost three of this year’s four autumn internationals, including a record 73-0 defeat by South Africa on the final weekend, while they have not won a Six Nations game since 2023.

Steve Tandy’s side begin their 2026 Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham on 7 February, with the Wales squad currently due to meet up on 26 January.

Cardiff, Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys have United Rugby Championship and European matches during the next two months.

The WRU wants extra periods set aside for Six Nations preparations, with chair Richard Collier-Keywood saying he has discussed the idea with head coach Tandy and the union’s director of rugby and head of elite performance Dave Reddin.

“One of the conversations we’ve already started with Steve and Dave is what can we do between now and the Six Nations to actually make a difference to these Wales players,” said Collier-Keywood.