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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.