Reffell had been in fine form at the start of the season, but misses out through injury

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has revealed Tommy Reffell has missed out on their Nations Championship squad due to a knee injury.

The 27-year-old has been in superb form for Leicester Tigers at the start of the season, with many fans surprised that he was not part of Tandy's 39-man squad on Tuesday. The openside had been overlooked for much of last season, but was called up in the summer.

However, having named his squad for Tests against Japan, New Zealand and Australia on Tuesday morning, Tandy revealed that Reffell was unavailable through injury.

"Tommy is unavailable to us through injury," said Tandy. "The physios are speaking to Leicester. It's a little bit unclear on that."

It's understood that the player has picked up a knee injury, having not featured in their Champions Cup clash with Pau on the weekend. He is expected to be out for around four-to-six weeks.

Given the depth of Wales' back-row, it is unclear whether Reffell would definitely have made the squad even if fit.

Cardiff No. 8 Taine Basham has earned a recall, having not played for his country since the 2024 Six Nations.

"I thought Taine was brilliant at the back end of last season," said Tandy. "He’s settled into Cardiff well.

"I spoke to him at the back-end of last year because he was unlucky last season. We’ve got a lot of depth in the back-row which is great for us.

"That's really pleasing for Taine. Taine has been telling me all about his line breaks, which has enhanced it.

"A great character as well and a great opportunity for him."

Dragons wing Rio Dyer has also earned a recall, while uncapped Scarlets wing Macs Page missed out despite a remarkable start to the campaign.

Page, who played outside centre at times last season, has started all of his matches this season on the left wing - with Tandy admitting he sees him as a wing when it comes to selection.

"Rio has taken on his feedback," said Tandy. "He was involved in the first campaign I was involved in.

"Some of his aerial contests and some of his work-rate, he thoroughly deserves his recall."

The squad also features three new caps, with Dragons duo Aneurin Owen and Che Hope included alongside Cardiff's Rhys Barratt.

"With Che, he’s a really exciting talent and the way he’s been performing for the Dragons has been outstanding," said Tandy. "Rhys Barratt has been consistent.

"He’s another young loosehead that is coming through, great around the park and great footballing ability.

"Aneurin has been so consistent. You have to keep looking at what he'd done. I've spoken to a lot of people around him about his training standards and his communication.

"Also his attitude to work. We had him in the other day for a workshop with the 12s and 13s. He sees the game really well. It's an exciting opportunity for those guys to step up."

On the centre, he added: "Aneurin has overcome injuries and been around the selection mix for a while. It’s a testament to him and his professionalism.

"The Dragons are being really competitive at the moment. He’s a massive driver at the Dragons. His performances have set him aside from everyone else."