Wales had been targeting Welsh-qualified Tahlor Cahill as a potential recruit ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup
Tahlor Cahill of the Crusaders(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Wales appear likely to miss out on Welsh-qualified Canterbury Crusaders lock Tahlor Cahill in the short term, as the 22-year-old is poised to continue his career in New Zealand.
The Welsh Rugby Union was keen on Cahill as a potential Wales international, with the Scarlets leading the chase for his signature. But Cahill is expected to stay in New Zealand to pursue his dream of becoming an All Black.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy is working hard to build strength in depth leading up to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia and has previously spoken about looking at the Exiles system.
Cahill would have been perfect for Wales and would have added much-needed depth alongside players like Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Adam Beard, Teddy Williams, Rhys Davies and James Fender.
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The powerful second-row is an excellent lineout forward with a nice blend of explosive physicality and athleticism.
However, it appears Cahill is looking to impress new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie rather than Tandy. He also wants to wait to see the long-term structure in Wales before committing to a Welsh club.
However, things can change and Welsh rugby powerbrokers are expected to keep in contact with Cahill who will remain eligible to represent Wales until capped by New Zealand.
Wales has missed out on a host of Welsh-qualified players over the past few years, with England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso at the top of the list.
They have also lost out on Bath hooker Kepu Tuipulotu, Northampton Saints lock Tom Lockett, Leicester Tigers wing Ollie Hassell-Collins and Blue Bulls backrower Cameron Hanekom.
On the flip side Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas, wing Josh Hathway and backrower Taine Plumtree are all dual-qualified players who have opted to represent Wales in recent times.
They also succeeded in persuading giant Exeter Chiefs lock Luke Evans to rejoin the Wales U20s set-up after a campaign with England U20s.
Exeter Chiefs backrower Kane James, who represented England at age grade level, is a player the WRU should be targeting.
“We are looking,” Wales head coach Steve Tandy told the ScrumV podcast in September when asked about Welsh-qualified players.
“We have got to connect and we have got to keep asking those questions.
“We’ve got to be finding out about who is Welsh-qualified and more importantly – who wants to play for Wales.
“There are so many boys out there and probably boys that people wouldn’t even realise so that is definitely part of what I’ve been doing.
“I think that’s a really important piece because as a nation, we are small.
“There are lots of talented players, not only in Wales but outside of it. So that is a massive thing for us.”
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