Wainwright a doubt for Wales ahead of Nations Championship match with New Zealand

Aaron Wainwright has emerged as a major injury concern for Wales ahead of their Nations Championship match against New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday. The 29-year-old suffered a leg injury, has been seen in a protective boot and did not train on Tuesday.

Wainwright joined Leicester from Dragons for the start of the 2025-26 season. He started in Wales' 28-21 victory against Japan last Saturday and was the most experienced forward in the squad. He was winning his 71st cap and is Wales' most effective forward ball-carrier.

Recalled Taine Basham would be the leading contender to replace Wainwright on Saturday, with Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree providing the other option in the squad. Basham was rewarded with a squad call-up having been the form number eight in Welsh domestic rugby this season. The Cardiff number eight has not played for Wales since the 2024 Six Nations, while his previous start to that was in 2022.

New Zealand wing Will Jordan will miss the game because of a hamstring injury. Centre Jordie Barrett is available for selection to face Wales after passing his head injury assessment (HIA) protocols.

Wales currently lie fifth out of sixth in the northern hemisphere table after two wins from four matches. After the All Blacks match, Wales will host Australia on 21 November, before the Nations Championship finals weekend at the end of the month, hosted by the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham.

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Head coach Steve Tandy will name his team on Thursday; Wainwright's absence would be a major blow.