Wainwright joined Cardiff ahead of the 2025-26 season, following a two-and-a-half year stint at the Scarlets.

The North Walian tight-head came through the ranks at Rhyl RFC before playing for RGC 1404 in the Welsh Premiership where he earned a Wales U20s call-up. 

He was soon signed by Saracens, making his senior debut in 2019, and international honours followed two years later. He made his Test debut in the historic win over the Springboks in Bloemfontein and now has four caps.

Wainwright joined the Scarlets in December 2023, and established himself as a first-team regular.