Six Nations: Louis Rees-Zammit named in Wales XV for opener against England as he makes first tournament return in three years
Louis Rees-Zammit starts for Wales in Six Nations for first time in three years; Dewi Lake captains side in absence of injured Jac Morgan; Josh Macleod makes tournament debut at flanker as Eddie James replaces Max Llewellyn at outside centre
Thursday 5 February 2026 13:27, UK
Louis Rees-Zammit will start at fullback for Wales in their Six Nations opener against England on Saturday.
The winger has scored eight tries in 14 matches for Bristol Bears in the Prem this season, but switches to fullback in his return to the Six Nations for the first time since 2023 after eighteen months in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hooker Dewi Lake captains the side in the absence of injured Jac Morgan, who is replaced by tournament debutant Josh Macleod.
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The 25-year-old Bristol flier made his Wales comeback in the autumn, but this will be only the fourth time in 36 Test appearances that he will have started at fullback.
New coach Steve Tandy is hoping to turn around a Wales side who have finished bottom of the Championship for two years running, remaining winless in their last 11 Six Nations matches.
His maiden Six Nations team gives Eddie James his second Wales start, replacing the injured Max Llewellyn at outside centre.
"Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture," Tandy said in a press release. "We know they're playing some outstanding rugby and they're in great form.
"But I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales.
"The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and really attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves.
"Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and it's something we can't wait to do."
Wales team to face England
Wales: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 3 Archie Griffin, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard, 6 Alex Mann, 7 Josh Macleod, 8 Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: 16 Liam Belcher, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Mason Grady.
Wales' 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
All times UK and Ireland
- vs England (Saturday February 7) - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (4.40pm)
- vs France (Sunday February 15) - Principality Stadium, Cardiff (3.10pm)
- vs Scotland (Saturday February 21) - Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.40pm)
- vs Ireland (Friday March 6) - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm)
- vs Italy (Saturday March 14) - Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.40pm)
