Wales Abroad: An all-Welsh Gallagher Prem XV

Thursday, 08 January 2026 at 16:17

byCharlie Elliott

Aaron Wainwright’s move to Leicester Tigers is the latest chapter in a growing trend of Welsh talent crossing the Severn Bridge. With a couple of Ospreys stars already heading east and more internationals testing themselves in England, the Gallagher Prem now hosts a formidable Welsh contingent.

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Here, we select a starting XV that reflects that shift and the impact Wales’ exports are making.

15 Josh Carrington (Bristol Bears)

Thrown into the Prem spotlight after moving from Cardiff Met University, Carrington has wasted no time making himself noticed.

The young fullback announced his arrival with tries on both his Bristol debuts – first in the Prem Cup against Sale and then in the league against Leicester. Confident in the air and composed in broken play, he plays with a maturity that belies his limited top-flight experience.

14 Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears)

Rees-Zammit’s return to rugby union in 2025 brought genuine excitement back to the Prem . After an 18-month NFL adventure, he rejoined the sport determined to make the most of his extraordinary gifts, signing with Bristol before quickly extending his stay.

His speed remains unmatched, but it is his physical development and confidence that stand out most. Capable of scoring from almost anywhere, he remains a defensive nightmare for opponents.

13 Max Llewellyn (Gloucester)

At his best, Llewellyn offers the complete centre package: power, defensive authority and a growing all-round skill set. His performances last season underlined his importance to Gloucester’s midfield, where he consistently punched holes and shut down opposition attacks.

A knee injury suffered against Castres has halted that momentum, leaving his Six Nations prospects remote, but it has not diminished his reputation.

12 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)

Few centres combine bite and intelligence quite like Tompkins. Though naturally an outside centre, his adaptability makes him equally effective at 12, where his defensive aggression and clever handling come to the fore. English-born but Welsh-qualified through family ties, he has become a trusted figure for both Saracens and Wales since his 2020 international debut, marked by a try against Italy.

Never flashy, but relentlessly effective, Tompkins thrives on the hard work of midfield rugby – tackling, chasing, linking play – making him a dependable option in high-pressure Prem and Test environments alike.

11 Liam Williams (Newcastle Red Bulls)

Experience, temperament and class define Liam Williams’ enduring influence. Now with Newcastle, the former Lions tourist and Grand Slam winner brings a wealth of big-match pedigree to the Prem. Renowned for his bravery under the high ball and instinctive counter-attacking, Williams has long been a player for decisive moments – none more so than his Man of the Match display against England in 2019.

10 Jarrod Evans (Harlequins)

Evans’ move to Harlequins has reshaped his career. Once on the fringes of international contention, he has rediscovered authority at fly-half through composed performances and clutch moments – most memorably a last-minute penalty to sink Bristol in 2023.

With Marcus Smith often the headline act, Evans has thrived when called upon, guiding Quins with maturity and tactical awareness. His return to Wales squads in 2025 reflected that resurgence.

9 Tomos Williams (Saracens / Gloucester)

Few scrum-halves in the Prem combine flair with leadership as effectively as Williams. His first season at Gloucester was outstanding, earning him Player of the Season honours before he was handed the captaincy.

A 2025 British & Irish Lion, he showcased his attacking instincts on tour with two tries against Western Force before injury curtailed his involvement. Sharp service, explosive breaks and relentless competitiveness define his game. With a future move to Saracens confirmed, Williams’ influence in English rugby looks set to grow.

1 Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers / Sale Sharks)

After more than a decade of service with the Ospreys, Smith’s transition to the Prem has only enhanced his standing. At Leicester, his technical excellence at scrum time and tireless work in the loose quickly earned recognition, culminating in selection in the Team of the Season.

A cornerstone of Wales’ Grand Slam success in 2019, Smith brings a wealth of Test experience and a meticulous approach to the set-piece. With a move to Sale Sharks ahead, his ongoing presence in England ensures Welsh rugby retains a hardened, high-class loosehead forged in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.

2 Dewi Lake (Gloucester – from 2026)

Leadership defines Dewi Lake as much as physicality. Though he will only join the Prem with Gloucester in 2026, his reputation already warrants inclusion here.

A powerful carrier and authoritative presence at hooker, Lake has captained Wales and emerged as a figurehead during turbulent times for the national side. Injuries have tested his resilience, but each return has reinforced his importance. His move to England offers stability and elite competition at a crucial stage of his career.

3 WillGriff John (Sale Sharks)

John’s career has been defined by persistence and adaptability. Raised in Wales but born in England, he has carved out a reputation as a reliable, uncompromising tighthead across several clubs, now firmly embedded at Sale.

International opportunities were delayed by circumstance – including a cancelled Six Nations debut in 2020 – but he eventually earned his Wales cap in 2021. At club level, his scrummaging strength and physical edge make him a valuable asset in Prem forward battles.

4 Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs)

Leadership came early for Jenkins, and it has shaped his rise ever since. Becoming the youngest captain in Prem history at Exeter, he carried that authority into international rugby when he led Wales during the 2024 Six Nations.

A technician in the lineout and tireless in defence, Jenkins plays with a composure uncommon for his age. Injury setbacks have interrupted his momentum, but his 2025 return reaffirmed his status as one of Wales’ most important forwards.

5 Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs)

Athleticism and versatility define Tshiunza’s impact. Comfortable across the second row and back row, he brings pace and physicality that suit the modern Prem game.

Eligible for multiple nations before committing to Wales, he made his Test debut in 2021 and has remained part of the international conversation despite injuries. His development at Exeter has sharpened his breakdown work and carrying ability, while his World Cup experience in 2023 underlined his growing maturity.

6 Jac Morgan (Gloucester – from 2026)

Morgan’s reputation has been forged in adversity. As Wales captain during difficult periods, he has consistently led from the front with relentless tackling, breakdown dominance and unwavering competitiveness.

His impact on the 2025 Lions tour – including a crucial clear-out and a try in the deciding Test – only enhanced his standing. Soon to join Gloucester, he will arrive as one of the most respected opensides in the game.

7 Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers)

Reffell has built a Prem career on disruption. Few players are as effective over the ball, and his turnover ability has become central to Leicester’s success.

Recognised early with a Breakthrough Player award, he translated club form into Test rugby in 2022, famously starring in Wales’ historic victory over South Africa in Pretoria. Aggressive without being reckless, he thrives on confrontation and high-tempo contests.

8 Aaron Wainwright (Leicester Tigers – from 2026)

Originally developed as a back, Wainwright’s transformation into a dynamic No 8 has made him a valuable modern forward. His athleticism, direct running and defensive commitment have been central to Wales’ recent campaigns, including a memorable Player of the Match performance in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final against France.

With a move to Leicester confirmed, he will bring line-breaking power and big-game temperament to the Prem.