Wales Set to Make Two Changes for Upcoming World Cup Clash Against Australia
Wales head coach Steve Tandy is expected to make two changes to the team lineup ahead of their crucial World Cup match against Australia.
Joe Hawkins, a promising centre for Wales, is set to participate in the upcoming World Cup in Australia, marking a significant return for the national side. Hawkins, who recently rejoined Scarlets, missed the 2023 World Cup in France due to his move to Exeter in 2023, which made him ineligible under the 25-cap rule. This rule stipulates that players with fewer than 25 caps cannot represent Wales if they are not with a Welsh club, thus impacting Hawkins' availability for the previous tournament 1.
Hawkins' inclusion in the squad is part of a larger reshuffle by head coach Steve Tandy, who has been experimenting with various midfield combinations since September 2025. Despite these trials, Hawkins and Eddie James have emerged as the primary centre pairing for Wales, with James being seen as a potential Test 13, although there is some debate about whether he should be considered as a 12 instead 1.
The upcoming World Cup presents a challenging schedule for Wales, with at least 12 matches lined up before the main event. Their journey begins with a Nations Championship match against Japan, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting run-up to the World Cup 1.
In other sporting news, England secured a victory in the opening match of a wheelchair tournament, defeating Wales in a closely contested game. This event took place around the time the article was published, adding another layer of excitement to the current sports landscape 2.
What we know
- - Joe Hawkins aims to participate in the upcoming World Cup in Australia 1
- - Hawkins rejoined Scarlets, making him eligible for Wales again 1
- - The 25-cap rule makes players with fewer than 25 caps ineligible for Wales if they're not with a Welsh club 1
- - Wales will play at least 12 matches before the World Cup 1
- - Hawkins and Eddie James form Wales' primary centre pairing 1
- - Head coach Steve Tandy has experimented with five different starting midfield combinations since September 2025 1
- - James is viewed as a potential Test 13, with some debate about his position 1
- - Hawkins competes for the Wales 12 jersey with Aneurin Owen 1
- - England won the first match of a wheelchair tournament against Wales 2
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Verification report
- likely
Joe Hawkins, a Wales centre, aims to participate in the upcoming World Cup in Australia.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Hawkins moved from Ospreys to Exeter in 2023, making him ineligible for Wales due to the 25-cap rule.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
The 25-cap rule states that players with fewer than 25 caps cannot represent Wales unless they are with a Welsh club.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Hawkins missed the 2023 World Cup in France because of his ineligibility.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Hawkins rejoined the national side after signing with Scarlets.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Wales will play at least 12 matches before the World Cup, starting with a Nations Championship match against Japan.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Hawkins and Eddie James form Wales' primary centre pairing.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Head coach Steve Tandy has experimented with five different starting midfield combinations since September 2025.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
James is viewed as a potential Test 13, while there is debate about whether he should be considered as a 12.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
Hawkins competes for the Wales 12 jersey with Aneurin Owen, while Llewellyn has also played at inside centre.
73% · supported by 1 - likely
England won the first match of a wheelchair tournament.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The opponent in the match was Wales.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The event took place on the date the article was published or very close to it.
71% · supported by 1
Sources & references
- BBC Sport — Wales centre Hawkins determined to make World Cup
- Sky Sports — England hammer Wales to open wheelchair tournament
