Six Nations: Louis Rees-Zammit picked at full-back for Wales against England, Josh MacLeod selected to make tournament debut at flanker

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Wales have finished bottom of the Six Nations in each of the last two championships and Steve Tandy will be aiming to avoid making it three in a row this year. They begin their campaign at Twickenham, where they take on an England side who are much-fancied to challenge France for the title. Tandy has revealed his line-up, which includes long-time winger Louis Rees-Zammit starting at full-back.

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Louis Rees-Zammit will start at full-back for Wales against England in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham.

It will be his first appearance in the championship since 2023, after trying his hand at American football in the NFL in the years between then and now - only to return to rugby union last year.

After signing for Bristol Bears, Rees-Zammit started his time back in the sport in his familiar position on the wing, but switched to 15 in December.

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He scored three tries in his first two games at full-back, so was kept in the position, and now Steve Tandy will be hoping Rees-Zammit can replicate that form on the international stage, where he has previously started at 15 on four occasions.

Speaking in the build-up to Tandy's team announcement, Rees-Zammit was asked about his positional change.

"I love it," he said. "It allows me to get more touches on the ball in open field, it suits my game.

"I much prefer it. I've played 15 in the past for Wales, but I think now I'm kind of seen as a 15 that can play on the wing.

"I've got the licence to not do what I want, but when I've got the ball back there I have to make a decision and back myself," he said.

With Rees-Zammit playing at full-back, Tandy has picked Ellie Mee and Josh Adams on the wings.

Scarlets flanker Josh MacLeod has been selected to make his Six Nations debut at openside, with his return shifting Alex Mann back to blind-side.

Speaking about MacLeod’s selection, Tandy said: "Josh has had some rough luck with injuries, but the way he's come back, the way he leads, his attention to detail around his week plan, the way he trains, the intensity he brings to everything he does is excellent. It’s going to be awesome to see him on the weekend."

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Max Llewellyn misses out through injury, so Eddie James will start at 13.

Captain Dewi Lake is joined in the front row by Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin, while Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard pair up in the second row.

Tandy has matched England by selecting six forwards on the bench, with Taine Plumtree and Harri Davies among the players he will be able to call upon.

Looking ahead to the match, Tandy said: "Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture.

"We know they're playing some outstanding rugby, and they're in great form. But I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales.

"The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and really attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves. Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic, and it's something we can't wait to do."

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