Gatland announces Wales side to face France in Six Nations opener

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named his starting XV ahead of their opening Six Nations match against France.

It’s poised to be a crucial campaign for Gatland and his side, who failed to win a single match in any competition in 2024, finishing rock bottom of last year’s Six Nations.

There’s a place in the squad for Dragons hooker Elliot Dee, formerly of Penallta, Newbridge, Cross Keys, and Bedwas. He starts on the bench.

Announcing his squad, the New Zealander said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations in the best rugby competition in the world.”

Wales team to play France

• 15. Liam Williams (Saracens – 92 caps)
• 14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
• 13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 38 caps)
• 12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 42 caps)
• 11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 59 caps)
• 10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps)
• 9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 59 caps)
• 1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
• 2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
• 3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 4 caps)
• 4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 36 caps)
• 5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 19 caps)
• 6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
• 7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 18 caps) – captain
• 8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 52 caps)

Replacements

• 16. Elliot Dee (Dragons – 51 caps)
• 17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 49 caps)
• 18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 10 caps)
• 19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)
• 20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 23 caps)
• 21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 5 caps)
• 22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – uncapped)
• 23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 3 caps)

Wales’ opening match against France kicks-off on Friday January 31 at 8.15pm.