Welsh domestic rugby may have concluded in May, but the national men's team is gearing up for a demanding summer. Under head coach Steve Tandy, Wales will play four matches on consecutive weekends, extending the rugby season into mid-July.
The campaign kicks off with an uncapped double-header against the Barbarians on June 27 at Allianz Stadium, featuring both the men's and women's teams. This is followed by three fixtures in the new Nations Championship against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in July.
After a disappointing Six Nations campaign with four losses, Wales ended the tournament with a home victory against Italy but still finished at the bottom for the third year running.
Why Not at Principality Stadium?
Wales' first two matches—against the Barbarians and Fiji—are on home soil but not at the Principality Stadium. The Cardiff venue is hosting concerts by Take That and Metallica, but the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed they never planned to play at the stadium this summer.
For the Nations Championship opener on July 4, Fiji will be the 'home' side, and the match will take place at Cardiff City Stadium. This marks the first time a Wales rugby international will be held at the football club's ground, offering the only opportunity for Welsh fans to see the team play in Wales this summer.
The New Nations Championship
The Nations Championship pits teams from different hemispheres in a revamped competition format, with Wales set to face tough opponents in Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa over successive weekends.