Tom Rogers out against Springboks. Image credit: CNN.
(The Post News) – Tom Rogers will miss Wales’ Test against South Africa. He suffered a hamstring injury. Head coach Steve Tandy is expected to overhaul his squad with 12 changes for Saturday’s match in Cardiff.
Rogers, who made headlines last weekend by becoming the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. He picked up the injury during the 52–26 defeat. His absence adds to Wales’ growing list of unavailable backs, with Louis Rees-Zammit also missing due to club commitments.
Tandy has responded by reshaping both the backline and the forward pack. Ellis Mee and Rio Dyer will start on the wings, while Joe Roberts comes into the midfield alongside Joe Hawkins. Dan Edwards and Kieran Hardy form a new half-back partnership.
In the forwards, Ben Carter and Rhys Davies will combine in the second row. Props Gareth Thomas and Keiron Assiratti will line up in the front row. Aaron Wainwright returns at No. 8, joined by flankers Alex Mann and Taine Plumtree. The match falls outside the official international window. This leaves Wales without several key players. They have returned to their clubs in England and France. As a result, Tandy has been forced to rely on a mix of emerging players and squad regulars.
Despite the disruptions, Tandy has urged his side to replicate the attacking spirit shown against New Zealand.
He acknowledged the challenge of facing the reigning world champions. He emphasized the opportunity it presents for the newer members of the squad. Wales will host the Springboks at the Principality Stadium on Saturday. Wales’ expectations tempered by the team’s depleted resources but optimism surrounding the fresh talent stepping in.
Who is Tom Rogers?
Tom Rogers was born on 17 December 1998 in Carmarthen, Wales. He began playing rugby with his local clubs, Cefneithin RFC and Tumble RFC, before progressing into the Scarlets’ development pathway. His performances at youth level eventually led to his senior debut for the Scarlets in 2017.
Rogers has spent his professional career with the Scarlets, establishing himself as a dynamic back-three player, mainly on the wing. He is known for his speed, footwork, strong aerial ability, and physicality. He scored his first senior try for the Scarlets in 2020. Since then, he has become a regular and important part of their squad.
Internationally, Rogers has represented Wales at several levels, including the under-20 team and Wales Sevens. He made his senior debut for Wales in 2021 during the summer Test series. Since then, he has continued to feature in national squads and has added to his international experience.
In 2025, Rogers achieved a significant milestone. He became the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick of tries against New Zealand. Wales lost the match. Despite this, his performance stood out. It highlighted his growing reputation as one of Wales’s most exciting attacking talents.
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