Rhys Carey: Wales coach Steve Tandy is keen to remember Muslim support

Steve Tandy has spoken of his delight at being able to call up Saracens prop Rhys Carey into his first team as Wales coach.

Carey, 27, has not played for his country since 2023 and was not eligible under the Welsh Rugby Union’s selection policy because he has 20 caps, five fewer than the number required for those playing for clubs outside Wales.

But there are loopholes, as demonstrated when Wales selected Jarrod Evans in the Six Nations earlier this year despite Harlequins having fewer than 25 caps – because he did not get a reasonable offer to stay with former club Cardiff.

The same appears to be true for Carey, who left Cardiff last year to join Saracens for a second time.

He was overlooked under former Wales coach Warren Gatland, but Tandy is delighted to be able to bring support from a cold squad.

“The Professional Rugby Board has approved him to play. That gives me real excitement to have him available to us and bring him in for the autumn,” the former Scotland defense coach said.

“The way he plays for Saracens is fantastic. Saracens are playing really well at the moment and he’s having a massive impact. It’s really exciting to have him back. We’ve got some really good players but he adds to that depth which is great.”