Wales team to play Argentina confirmed: Ex-England star in line for debut

Thursday, 09 July 2026 at 13:09

byHarry Tovey

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named his side to face Argentina at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan on Saturday (KO: 20:10 GMT), with Kane James set to win his first cap off the bench.

The former England U20s player made 18 appearances for Exeter Chiefs this season and came off the bench in the closing moments of the Gallagher PREM final defeat by Northampton Saints at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

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Born in Haverfordwest, the 21-year-old was almost lost to Welsh rugby, with his time with England. He was in contention for Wales’ 2026 Six Nations squad, but was not included due to an ankle injury sustained against Cardiff Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

On the explosive player, who undoubtedly will bring lots of energy off the bench, head coach Steve Tandy added: “Kane is an exciting player. He’s so powerful and quick.

"The way he’s come into the environment and just jumped straight in: he hasn’t been tentative in anything he does.

“He creates a big energy in how he goes about his work; he’s super diligent around everything, taking on the detail. I’m really excited to see Kane get his first cap on the weekend.”

It's understood that Wales had only one training session ahead of the contest against Los Pumas, with Tandy's side based in Buenos Aires before travelling further west to San Juan.

Wales come into the match against Felipe Contepomi’s side having travelled 7,000 miles and 17 hours to the Argentine capital. With that said, Wales have headed south of the equator following an impressive 39-24 triumph against Fiji to begin their inaugural Nations Championship campaign on the front foot.

Argentina started their Nations Championship campaign with a 47-38 home defeat to Scotland in Córdoba. In Wales' last contest against Los Pumas, Contepomi’s side scored more than half a century of points in the Welsh capital.

For many, this will be their first trip to Argentina, but when Wales last visited San Juan in 2018, that day in western Argentina saw Wales produce an impressive display to put aside Los Pumas 23-10.

This time around James Botham is selected at blindside flanker with Jac Morgan at openside flanker. Dragons’ Aaron Wainwright, who made his debut for Wales eight years ago in San Juan, completes the back row.

Outside-half Sam Costelow is selected ahead of Dan Edwards, and joins Tomos Williams as the half back pairing.

Ellis Mee starts on the wing with Louis Rees-Zammit dropping onto the bench.

Among the replacements, Ryan Elias is set to win his 50th cap for Wales, whilst Teddy Williams and Max Llewellyn are also selected in the match day 23.

On facing Argentina, head coach Tandy added: "There are three changes this week. I think it’s a great opportunity for those boys coming in. An exciting challenge.

“This weekend we’re just looking forward to building on last week’s performance.

"It’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us playing away from home, which is always exciting. I think it’s a really good test for us to see where we’re at. We know that Argentina are a really passionate and skilful team.”

On Elias’ milestone for Wales, Tandy added: “Ryan’s story is an incredible one.

“He’s an outstanding leader, an outstanding person more importantly but then I think he’s really added value to our group.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement to get 50 caps. It’s an honour that’s really deserved.”

Wales team to play Argentina:

15 Blair Murray (Scarlets – 17 caps)
14 Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 9 caps)
13 Eddie James (Scarlets – 10 caps)
12 Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 12 caps)
11 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 71 caps)
10 Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 21 caps)
9 Tomos Williams (Saracens – 73 caps)
1 Rhys Carre (Saracens – 29 caps)
2 Dewi Lake (Captain, Gloucester Rugby – 32 caps)
3 Dillon Lewis (Dragons – 58 caps)
4 Ben Carter (Dragons – 20 caps)
5 Adam Beard (Montpellier – 66 caps)
6 James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 22 caps)
7 Jac Morgan (Gloucester Rugby – 25 caps)
8 Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers – 68 caps)

Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 49 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Sale Sharks – 64 caps)
18. Ben Warren (Ospreys – 1 cap)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
20. Kane James (Exeter Chiefs – uncapped)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 31 caps)
22. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 11 caps)
23. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 41 caps)