Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named his team for the opening round of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations against England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday 7 February (kick-off 4.40pm, live on ITV1 and S4C), with Cardiff Rugby well represented throughout the matchday 23.

Centre Ben Thomas and wing Josh Adams both start in Wales’ backline, while Alex Mann lines up in the back row and Liam Belcher and Mason Grady are named among the replacements, underlining Cardiff’s strong contribution to the national setup.

In the back row, Cardiff’s Alex Mann is selected at blindside flanker, with Josh Macleod earning a Six Nations debut at openside following return from injury. Aaron Wainwright completes the loose trio at No. 8.

The half-back pairing sees Tomos Williams at scrum-half and Dan Edwards at fly-half, while Ben Thomas starts at inside centre, partnering Eddie James, who makes his second Wales start. Out wide, Cardiff wing Josh Adams is joined by Ellis Mee, with Louis Rees-Zammit selected at fullback for his first Six Nations appearance since 2023.

Among the replacements, Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher provides cover at hooker, while Mason Grady is in line to make his first Wales appearance since the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

Speaking after naming his side, Tandy highlighted the significance of the fixture and the intent he wants to see from his players.

“Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture,” he said. “Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and it’s something we can’t wait to do. I want to see us get out and really attack the game and give the best account of ourselves.”

With five Cardiff Rugby players involved across the matchday squad, the Blue & Blacks will once again play a key role as Wales launch their Six Nations campaign on English soil.

Wales team v England – Guinness Six Nations | Tîm Cymru v Lloegr – Pencampwriaeth Chwe Gwlad Guinness 2026

15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears | Bryste – 35 caps)

14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 4 caps)

13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 4 caps)

12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 17 caps)

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 65 caps)

10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 7 caps)

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 67 caps)

1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 58 caps)

2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys | Gweilch – 26 caps) captain | capten

3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby | Caerfaddon – 11 caps)

4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 26 caps)

5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 61 caps)

6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 11 caps)

7. Josh Macleod (Scarlets – 4 caps)

8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons | Dreigiau – 62 caps)

Replacements | Eilyddion

16. Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 4 caps)

17. Rhys Carre (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 23 caps)

18. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 77 caps)

19. Ben Carter (Dragons / Dreigiau – 14 caps)

20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 11 caps)

21. Harri Deaves (Ospreys | Gweilch – 1 cap)

22. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys | Gweilch – 28 caps)

23. Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 15 caps)