A strong Cardiff presence will be on show this weekend after Wales head coach Steve Tandy named his side to face France in round two of the Six Nations Championship.
There are four personnel and two positional changes for Sunday’s fixture in the capital, with several familiar Cardiff faces included in the matchday 23 for the first home game of the 2026 campaign.
In the front row, former Cardiff prop Rhys Carre is selected at loosehead alongside captain Dewi Lake and Tomas Francis.
Alex Mann retains his place in the starting 15, but moves from blindside to openside flanker.
Louis Rees-Zammit is named at fullback, Cardiff’s Josh Adams keeps his place on the left wing and Ellis Mee completes the back three. Tomos Williams and Dan Edwards continue their half-back partnership.
Among the replacements, former Blue and Black Jarrod Evans is included as wales move to a 5-3 bench split. Mason Grady and Kieran Hardy complete the back replacements, while Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin provide front-row support. Ben Carter and Taine Plumtree are the remaining forward options.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Tandy admitted Wales were “bitterly disappointed” with last weekend’s performance but believes lessons have been learned.
“A lot of it is based on who we are playing,” he said, highlighting both selection changes and the opportunity for players to put things right. “It’s a massive lesson for us. It’s something we need to correct and put more of our game out on the field on Sunday.”
With the squad returning to Principality Stadium, Tandy also underlined the importance of home support.
“We’re excited to get back to Principality Stadium. The supporters mean a huge amount to us and they do inspire the players. Our aim on the weekend is to inspire the fans too.”
For Cardiff supporters, there will be plenty of regional interest as some of Cardiff’s star players take centre stage in the capital, aiming to make an impact against one of Europe’s leading sides.
Wales team v France – Guinness Six Nations
15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears | Bryste – 36 caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 5 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 5 caps)
12. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 7 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 66 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 8 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 68 caps)
1. Rhys Carre (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 24 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys | Gweilch – 27 caps) captain | capten
3. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 78 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 27 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 62 caps)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons | Dreigiau – 63 caps)
7. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 12 caps)
8. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 2 caps)
Replacements | Eilyddion
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 44 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 59 caps)
18. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby | Caerfaddon – 12 caps)
19. Ben Carter (Dragons / Dreigiau – 15 caps)
20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 12 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys | Gweilch – 29 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 14 caps)
23. Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 16 caps)