“A great story”- Harrison Keddie earns eye-catching Wales call-up

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 17:13

byHarry Tovey

Among the six uncapped players selected by Wales head coach Steve Tandy, the selection of Harrison Keddie is one of the more eye-catching selections.

The Dragons RFC player has been one of the standout players among a team, which in the past has struggled to compete competitively.

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On Keddie, Dragons head coach Filo Titia, added: “With Harri Keddie, he’s a doer. He doesn’t really speak, but when he does speak, he captures the room.

“I like Harri. He’s a tough competitor and a tough loose forward. He gets his head in the hole.

“He doesn’t mind getting his nose smashed or broken, and that’s the type of player I like.

“He’s really competitive but also leads by action.”

But after years of ifs, buts, and maybes on potentially being called up for Wales, he’s now got his chance.

The back-rower has captained Wales U20s in the past, was a member of the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side and has been a key figurehead in the Gwent side's resurgent run to the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final.

The 29-year-old would have been forgiven for thinking his time had passed for representing his nation, but that’s not the case.

Keddie, who’s a physical player, is just what is needed in the international arena, and could play a massive role this summer for Wales.

When looking at those within the game in Wales who ply their trade in the back-row, Keddie has surpassed Ospreys’ Harri Deaves to be included in Tandy’s 48-man extended squad.

If his debut is like that of Deaves in November last year against the All Blacks, Keddie may be thrown straight in at the deep end, in what will be a sink or swim situation.

Wales face Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in the inaugural Nations Championship fixtures, all after an uncapped game against the Barbarians in Twickenham at the end of June.

The question now is, when the squad is eventually whittled down following the Barbarians game at Allianz Stadium, how much involvement will Keddie have this summer?

Unlike some other players within the regional game in Wales, he’s been given a golden opportunity due to his impressive form, and now has to make the big step up to Test rugby.

On Keddie being selected, and whether it’s a good story of persistence and never giving up, Tandy said: “Absolutely. It’s a great story.

“Sometimes in these situations, you can give younger players the opportunity, but the way Harrison has gone about his business.

“He’s been at the Dragons for 10 years and has seen some tough times. But he’s come through it as the Dragons have developed.

“Everyone who has spoken about him says he’s an unbelievable trainer. He delivers on the field as well. He’s physical. You saw that on the field on the weekend.

“It’s a great story, but he’s an outstanding rugby player. It’s always exciting to give these guys an opportunity to come into the environment and show what they can do.

“It also raises the ceiling. It was the same with Harri Deaves. I remember when he came in, it felt like he knew he could do it. Harrison has earned this opportunity.

“You’re not just giving it out because it’s a nice thing to do; he’s earned this opportunity. It’s well-deserved.”