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Wales have had to bring in the 27-year-old, who won four caps in 2022
Cardiff prop Sam Wainwright has been called up to replace club team-mate Keiron Assiratti in Wales’ Six Nations squad.
The four-cap tighthead joins Archie Griffin and the recalled Tomas Francis as Wales’ options for the number three jersey, with Assiratti having picked up a calf injury before being replaced after 56 minutes of Cardiff’s win over Benetton on Saturday night.
Wainwright hasn’t featured for Wales since the autumn of 2022, with his last cap being in the 13-12 defeat to Georgia that ultimately cost Wayne Pivac his job.
Wainwright had made his Test debut earlier that same year, coming off the bench in two Tests against South Africa.
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The first of those was a historic one, with Wales securing their first ever win over the Springboks on South African soil.
Further bench appearances followed in the autumn against Argentina and Georgia.
The 27-year-old, who previously played for Saracens ahead of his Wales call-up, joined Cardiff from Scarlets last summer.
Since joining the Arms Park side, Wainwright has played seven times this season.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Keiron, but that gives an opportunity for Sam and we’re delighted for him to join the group,” said Wales head coach Steve Tandy.
The injury comes as a blow to Assiratti, with the Cardiff tighthead having arguably ended last autumn as Wales’ first-choice tighthead – starting three of the four matches.
Bath’s Griffin started the win over Japan and will be in contention to start against England at the Allianz Stadium.
So too will Francis, who is in line for a first cap since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina.
The 77-cap prop has not played Test rugby since joining French club Provence from the Ospreys that same year.
However, having signed a deal to join Sale Sharks next year, Francis has been handed a recall by Tandy.
“Adding experience to any position is important,” said Tandy about Francis’ recall. “Seeing how motivated he is to be back in camp, he was there last night.
“Having young Archie Griffin there, the more competition you have, the more players grow.”
