Wales Announces Team for Six Nations Opener Against France

Wales has announced its team for the Six Nations opener against France, with Josh Adams and Liam Williams returning from injury. Coach Warren Gatland will be hoping to end a 12-match losing streak. Get the latest team news and updates.

Wales has received a significant boost ahead of their Six Nations opener against France, with the return of wing Josh Adams, full-back Liam Williams, and lock Dafydd Jenkins. The experienced duo of Adams and Williams missed a significant portion of last season due to injury. Their return is a welcome addition to the team as Wales seeks to end a dismal run of 12 consecutive defeats, dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This poor run of form has put coach Warren Gatland's position under scrutiny.

Ben Thomas has been selected to lead the backline from the fly-half position, with Tomos Williams partnering him at scrum-half. The centre pairing consists of Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins, while Tom Rogers completes the back three alongside Adams and Williams. The selection of Thomas at fly-half is due to an injury to Sam Costelow, as well as the desire to explore alternative options beyond Gareth Anscombe.

The forward pack will be captained by Jac Morgan, who is joined by James Botham and number eight Aaron Wainwright at the back of the scrum. The lock pairing consists of Will Rowlands and Jenkins, while Evan Lloyd is joined by props Gareth Thomas and Henry Thomas in the front row. Coach Warren Gatland expressed his excitement for the challenge ahead, saying, “We're excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that and start our championship well.”

Wales Team Announcement for Six Nations Opener Against France

🚨WALES TEAM ANNOUNCED🏉

Warren Gatland has named his 23 to face France on Friday night!

What do you make of the team? Are you more or less confident of a result in Paris?🤔@S4CRygbi | @S4Cchwaraeon pic.twitter.com/YniOZaTv7c

— Sportin Wales (@Sportin_Wales) January 29, 2025

The Welsh team has been announced for their Six Nations opener against France, with a mix of experienced players and new talent. The back three consists of Liam Williams at full-back, Tom Rogers on the wing, and Josh Adams on the other wing. The centre pairing is made up of Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin, while Ben Thomas starts at fly-half and Tomos Williams is at scrum-half.

The forward pack is captained by Jac Morgan, who is joined by James Botham and Aaron Wainwright at the back of the scrum. The lock pairing consists of Dafydd Jenkins and Will Rowlands, while Evan Lloyd is joined by props Gareth Thomas and Henry Thomas in the front row.

The replacements bench includes Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, and Blair Murray.