Wales has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their 2025 Six Nations campaign, as captain Dewi Lake has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks following a bicep surgery. This injury setback leaves Wales with a crucial gap in their hooker position, one of the most important roles in the forward pack. With the Six Nations just around the corner, this loss raises serious questions for head coach Warren Gatland as he prepares his squad for the tournament.
The 25-year-old hooker, who captained Wales on their summer tour of Australia and retained the role for the autumn internationals, underwent surgery on his bicep following an injury sustained during the autumn series. Mark Jones, head coach of Ospreys, confirmed before Christmas that Lake’s recovery time would likely extend beyond weeks and into months. As a result, the hooker will miss most of Wales‘ Six Nations fixtures, including their opening match against France in Paris on 31 January.
The Road to Recovery for Dewi Lake
Initially, the prognosis for Lake’s return was uncertain. Jones had hinted that the recovery process could take months rather than weeks, but with the official 12-week timeline now set, it is clear that the hooker will be unavailable for the first half of the Six Nations at the very least. It is unlikely that he will feature in the competition at all unless he manages a remarkable recovery ahead of the final fixtures.
However, Jones remains optimistic that Lake might be able to return ahead of the predicted timeline. He stated, “I think 12 weeks was the high end of it. We know the operation went well, and there’s nothing to suggest that he can’t beat that target. Dewi has an amazing mindset and a great professional attitude toward rehabilitation, so we’re hopeful.”
Jones added that he had been in contact with Lake over Christmas, with the hooker setting his sights on making the recovery period as short as possible. Given his reputation for resilience and professionalism, Wales fans can only hope that Lake’s recovery goes as planned.
Replacing Dewi Lake: Who Will Step Up for Wales?
With Lake sidelined, Wales will need to find a replacement for the hooker position in the Six Nations. During the autumn internationals, Ryan Elias, the Scarlets hooker, served as Lake’s deputy, but Elias himself has struggled with injury. Having missed the last three weeks due to a neck issue, Elias is expected to return to action in mid-January, but there are concerns about his readiness for the Six Nations opener against France.
Other options available for Wales include Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd, who was included in the Wales squad during the November internationals. Additionally, Dragons hooker Elliot Dee, who returned to action after an ankle injury, is another potential candidate for the hooker role. Dee made his first appearances of the season in the 26 December defeat to Cardiff, and his recovery could not have come at a better time, given Wales’ ongoing injury issues.
Sam Parry’s Availability: A Controversial Return?
One hooker who has made it clear that he is available to play for Wales is Sam Parry, the Ospreys hooker who was controversially dropped from the national training squad earlier this year. Parry, 33, had been told by Warren Gatland that he was a fringe member of the Wales squad, only acting as backup to the other three hookers. The decision to drop him from the squad in June was met with some discontent, but Parry has remained professional and has now made himself available to represent Wales once again.
“I’m available,” Parry stated, reflecting on his position. “I’d love to play for Wales, but whether the people who pick the squad see it that way, I don’t know. I just have to focus on performing well for the Ospreys. If I do that, then hopefully I’ll get the chance.”
Parry’s decision to leave the squad during the summer came after a frank conversation with Gatland, where he was told that he would only be called upon as cover for the other hookers. Parry has since moved on from the controversy, stating, “What happened, happened. People have their opinions, and that’s fine. I’ve moved on. It’s a new season, a fresh start.”
Whether Gatland will consider Parry for the Six Nations remains to be seen, but with Lake out and other hookers struggling for fitness, Parry’s return to the fold could provide a timely solution to Wales’ injury woes.
Leadership in the Absence of Dewi Lake
With Dewi Lake sidelined, Wales will also be looking for a new leader to step up in his absence. Lake’s form and leadership were a key part of Wales’ performance in the 2023 World Cup, and his injury leaves a void that Gatland will need to address. Although the hooker has missed the last two Six Nations tournaments due to injury, his captaincy has been one of the few positive aspects of Wales’ recent results.
Warren Gatland will now have to assess the potential candidates for the captaincy role ahead of the Six Nations. One player who could be in contention is Ospreys captain Jac Morgan, who co-captained Wales with Lake during the 2023 World Cup. Morgan’s leadership qualities have been well regarded, and he could provide a natural replacement for Lake if Gatland decides to hand him the captaincy.
Another potential candidate is Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins, who has just returned from injury. Jenkins captained Wales during the 2024 Six Nations, and his leadership experience could make him a strong contender for the role. Gatland will be looking closely at the performances of these players in the coming weeks as he makes his decision on who will lead Wales through the Six Nations.
The Road Ahead for Wales in the Six Nations
As Wales prepare for the 2025 Six Nations, the absence of Dewi Lake leaves a significant hole in their squad. With key players struggling with injuries and fitness concerns, Wales will need to rely on their depth and leadership to perform against the best teams in Europe. The Six Nations is always a highly competitive tournament, and Wales will need to find a way to navigate these injury challenges if they are to make an impact.
While the injury to Lake is undoubtedly a setback, Wales will be hoping that their other hookers, including Ryan Elias, Evan Lloyd, Elliot Dee, and potentially Sam Parry, can step up and fill the void left by the captain. Gatland will also need to decide on a new leader for the squad, with Jac Morgan and Dafydd Jenkins both vying for the captaincy role.
With the tournament fast approaching, Wales will be hoping that their injured players recover in time and that they can make a strong start to their Six Nations campaign. The opening match against France in Paris will be a tough challenge, but Wales will be determined to put up a strong performance, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion: A Tough Road Ahead for Wales
Wales’ preparation for the 2025 Six Nations has been marred by injuries, particularly the loss of Dewi Lake for up to 12 weeks. With the captain sidelined, Wales will need to find a way to adapt to the loss of their key hooker. The leadership question remains unresolved, but players like Jac Morgan and Dafydd Jenkins are ready to step into the void.
As Wales embark on their Six Nations campaign, they will need to rally together to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and a tough schedule. The road to success will not be easy, but with determination and the right mindset, Wales can still hope for a competitive performance in the 2025 Six Nations.
