Wales centre Thomas to miss Nations Championship restart

October 14, 2026

Welsh rugby’s experience at number eight, Alun Wyn Jones, will miss the restart of the Autumn Nations Championship after being omitted from Cardiff’s United Rugby Championship clash with Leinster. The 35-year-old, who has been a mainstay in the Welsh pack for years, was left out of the starting lineup for the first time since a shoulder injury sustained in March, with head coach Simon van Zyl citing lingering discomfort rather than a long-term issue.

Despite the setback, van Zyl remains optimistic about Jones’s availability in the coming weeks, though his selection for the international break will depend on his readiness to perform at match level. The absence created an opportunity for Taine Basham, who traveled to Dublin at short notice and stepped into the starting lineup, delivering a strong performance as Cardiff’s most dynamic back-row player.

Basham, who earned his 17th Wales cap against England in the 2024 Six Nations, has been in impressive form domestically and now faces a battle for a regular spot in the competitive Welsh back-row. With Wales preparing for their Nations Championship fixtures, Basham’s credentials will be closely scrutinized, while Jones’s return timeline remains uncertain despite the coach’s confidence in his recovery.