Six Nations: 'Banged up' Wainwright set to feature for Wales against Italy
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Wales' number eight Aaron Wainwright is "banged up" but set to feature in their Six Nations finale against Italy on Saturday.
Wainwright has been an ever-present in the Wales starting line-up at the tournament so far, with three of his starts coming in his preferred number eight position, while the other was at blind-side flanker.
He suffered a blow to his hip but overcame the issue to start the 27-17 loss to Ireland last Friday, but he was unable to complete the game, being replaced by Olly Cracknell early in the second half.
Wainwright is Wales' joint-leading carrier on 54, along with Dewi Lake, while he ranks fourth in the tournament for both dominant contacts (11) and post-contact metres (72).
"Aaron is a warrior, so he keeps going for us," assistant coach Dan Lydiate said.
"He is banged up, but he will be good to go. Everyone is raring to go."
𝙒𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙮 𝙂𝙚𝙢 |
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 9, 2026
Italy come to town. The final round of the Guinness Six Nations awaits
14.03.26
16:40 KO
Principality Stadium
@sixnationsrugby
https://t.co/gaZs6jZMZz #CymruAmByth | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/bPZkUWG07b
Wales are set to name their team for the clash with Italy on Thursday, with Sam Costelow the other potential injury doubt as he is still not training fully after suffering an ankle injury against Scotland in round three.
Steve Tandy's side, who sit bottom of the table with only a single point, are looking to end the tournament on a high and end their 15-match losing run at the Six Nations.
Their last success at the championship came against Italy in 2023, and Lydiate is confident that if their performances continue to improve, the wins will come once more.
"If we keep on the right trajectory, then we will get to a place where the wins will look after themselves," Lydiate added.
"We are miles apart from where we were at the start of the tournament, but we can't think that we have a couple of performances and the result will look after itself.
"Italy are rolling into town on the back of beating England and Scotland; they are a really good outfit and not the team they once were."
