Wales have appointed hooker Dewi Lake to captain their summer internationals, selecting him ahead of the returning flanker Jac Morgan.

Lake guided the side through eight Tests during the 2025 autumn series and 2026 Six Nations while Morgan recovered from injury.

The British and Irish Lions flanker led Wales in the opening match of the Steve Tandy period versus Argentina but suffered a dislocated left shoulder after crossing for a try.

The Gloucester-bound Ospreys forwards have both been included in the squad for the summer internationals, beginning with the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, and Lake will take the armband.

"It is always a huge privilege to captain Wales," he said.

"We possess a strong leadership group full of leaders such as Dafydd Jenkins, Jac, Tomos Williams and Josh Adams, so this is not a role I will handle by myself."

Morgan and Lake shared the captaincy at the 2023 World Cup under previous coach Warren Gatland.

Tandy has chosen to retain the hooker as his main leader for the summer schedule, which includes July Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the Nations Championship.

"Jac has captained us superbly and was unfortunate with his injury, otherwise he would still hold this position," said Lake.

"We are fortunate to share an outstanding bond both on and off the pitch. No matter the outcome, the other would have offered complete support."

"We have co-captained previously. He has led while I assisted, and I have led while he assisted."

Lake and Morgan operate as a unit

Lake and Morgan will both transfer from Ospreys to Gloucester after representing Wales this summer.

Although the hooker holds the official captaincy, he emphasised that the responsibility will be shared between the closely connected forwards.

"This is how we operate, the two of us combined, and I know he will back me however possible," he said.

"There will be moments when I rely on him heavily, and the reverse would have applied if the choice had gone differently."

"We function as a pair and I know Jac will support me from the sidelines and be available whenever required."

Lake, Morgan and Leicester-bound Dragons forward Aaron Wainwright can feature in the uncapped Baa-Baas match.

Yet the 13 players attached to English and French clubs remain unavailable since the fixture falls outside the World Rugby international window.

Wales men begin a double-header against the Barbarians at 14:00 BST, with the women following at 17:00 BST.

Sean Lynn's team are preparing for the WXV Global Series, where they face South Africa and USA in Cardiff during September followed by two away Tests in Japan during October.

Wales will be led in London by the recovered Alex Callender, the key back-row forward who missed the Six Nations due to an ankle issue.

Kate Williams began that campaign as captain before injury prompted Bethan Lewis to step in.

"I am truly thrilled about the match and it is a great honour to captain and lead the girls out," said Callender.