The summer of '23 is shaping up to be a gruelling one for Wales rugby fans as their national team embarks on an epic adventure that will see them crisscross the globe in search of victories and momentum. A packed schedule of four matches in successive weekends has been announced, with head coach Steve Tandy's squad facing a daunting task that will test their resolve, skills, and endurance.
The curtain raiser for this summer's tour is a double-header against the Barbarians on 27th June at London's Allianz Stadium – a thrilling encounter that promises to be an electrifying spectacle. But before the Wales team can take centre stage, they'll have to navigate the challenges of the inaugural Nations Championship, which kicks off in July with a mouth-watering showdown between Wales and Fiji.
But here's the twist: both the opening matches against the Barbarians will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium – yes, you read that right, it's not the Principality Stadium where Welsh rugby is usually held! The WRU has confirmed that due to prior commitments, including a Metallica concert on 28th June, Wales won't have their usual stomping ground. This summer, they'll be on the road, playing as 'away' teams in both these fixtures.
The Nations Championship itself is a game-changer for international rugby, bringing much-needed structure to those pesky summer and autumn Test matches that often left fans scratching their heads. For the next few weeks, Six Nations teams will embark on a tour of southern hemisphere opponents – Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Japan – with Wales facing the best of them in July.
But what about the logistics, you might ask? Well, let's just say it won't be an easy ride for Tandy's team! After opening in Cardiff, they'll face a gruelling 7,000-mile journey to Argentina and then another 5,300 miles across five time zones to Durban to take on South Africa. And if that wasn't enough, their summer schedule includes over 12,000 miles of air travel – talk about endurance!
Coach Tandy has stressed the need for his squad to be mentally tough and adaptable, drawing parallels with the extensive travel already undertaken by Welsh professional clubs in the United Rugby Championship. A 48-strong squad has been named, including six uncapped players who will be hoping to make their mark on this epic adventure.
Among these new recruits is Exeter's [insert name], a talented young player who's eager to prove himself on the biggest stage. And with the likes of [insert other names] also in contention, it promises to be an exciting few weeks for Welsh rugby fans.