A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Wales have named Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

The selection sees Scarlets pair Josh Macleod and Eddie James return after missing the autumn campaign through injury. For Macleod, 29, it will be a first appearance in the Six Nations, as he steps into the back-row role vacated by the injured Jac Morgan, packing down alongside Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright.

James is recalled in the centre and will partner Ben Thomas in midfield, while Ellis Mee’s strong form is rewarded with a place in the back three alongside Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams. Blair Murray and Tom Rogers both miss out.

Dewi Lake captains the side once again in Morgan’s absence and is joined in the front row by props Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin. Head coach Steve Tandy has opted for a replacements bench weighted towards the forwards, naming six, with Tomas Francis in line for his first Test appearance since the 2023 World Cup.

Wales arrive in London under no illusions about their recent struggles. They have not won a Six Nations match since March 2023 and have managed just two victories in their last 23 Tests overall.

For Rees-Zammit, 25, the match marks his first Six Nations appearance in almost three years following a spell pursuing American football. Although he began his Wales career on the wing, this will be his fourth start at full-back, having made three appearances there during the 2022–23 season.

He initially returned to rugby with Bristol on the wing, but Bears director of rugby Pat Lam has since deployed him at full-back — a position Rees-Zammit now says he prefers.

“He’s played full-back before, so it’s not something fundamentally new, and he’s done it for Bristol,” said Tandy. “He’s a real threat. If there’s a kick that’s slightly too long, something can happen. I’m excited by his aerial work as well.

“As quick as he is, he’s also a big man, so we’re excited to see him there.”

Macleod’s return has also impressed the Wales head coach after a run of injury setbacks.

“Josh has had some rough luck, but the way he’s come back — the way he leads, trains, and the attention to detail and intensity he brings — has been excellent,” said Tandy. “It’s going to be brilliant to see him out there this weekend.”

Leicester number eight Olly Cracknell was considered but has only just returned to full training and was deemed not quite ready to face England. Wales will also travel without scrum coach Duncan Jones, who suffered what Tandy described as a “freak injury” following an accidental collision in training, prompting consideration of short-term coaching cover.

The broader context makes for sobering reading. Wales have lost 21 of their past 23 internationals, with the only wins coming against Japan in Kobe and Cardiff in 2025. That run includes a record 18-Test losing streak and record home defeats against England (68-14), Argentina (52-28) and South Africa (73-0).

They have endured two successive winless Six Nations campaigns, finishing bottom both times and collecting consecutive Wooden Spoons. England, by contrast, have won their last 11 matches and sit third in the world rankings.

Despite that disparity, Tandy insists the occasion still carries huge significance.

“It’s a special fixture with all the history behind it,” he said. “We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and are in great form, but I also know what it means to our players to represent Wales.

“The way the squad has trained this week has been really encouraging. I want us to go out, attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves.”

Teams

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, B Thomas, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), Griffin, D Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Macleod, Wainwright.
Replacements: Belcher, Carre, T Francis, Carter, Plumtree, Deaves, Hardy, Grady.

England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Heyes; Coles, Chessum; Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, M Smith.

The battle for supremacy at the Cheltenham Festival is always an interesting one and the balance of power fluctuates significantly throughout the years.

Willie Mullins has been the main man for a while, but Gordon Elliott has been in sensational form and will be hoping to eclipse him this year.

With that in mind, we’ve selected five ante-post Cheltenham tips from the Gordon Elliott yard.

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – El Cairos @ 5/1

El Cairos cost a whopping £410,000 at the sales and it’s fair to say that trainer and jockey have been impressed with what they have seen so far. 

Jack Kennedy says that the gelding is the fastest horse he has sat on during his time with Elliott, which is some statement! He looked like the winner when falling at the last in a maiden hurdle over Christmas and he looks set to get off the mark soon.

Currently second favourite for the Supreme at Cheltenham, he appears to have all the tools required to run a big race, if reaching his full potential. He stays well and clearly has the gears to match.

Turners Novices’ Hurdle – Skylight Hustle @ 12/1

Brian Acheson has been a big supporter of Elliott over the years and the pair have got a very smart prospect on their hands here.

Skylight Hustle absolutely bolted up in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in November and the longer the race went on, the more dominant he became. 

He was perhaps a little fortunate to win a Grade 1 over two miles at Leopardstown after that as Talk The Talk looked like the winner before falling at the last. Nevertheless, he stayed on well and could improve significantly when going up in trip.

Mares’ Hurdle – Wodhooh @ 13/8

The potential absence of Lossiemouth leaves the door open for Wodhooh to take full advantage. Winning nine of her 10 starts under rules, the ultra-consistent daughter of Le Havre’s only defeat came at the hands of Mullins’ grey in the Aintree Hurdle.

Only Brighterdaysahead can offer a similar level of form, but she could go elsewhere and tends to underperform at Cheltenham. That can’t be said of Wodhooh though, as she won the Martin Pipe here last season and is more than capable of coming out on top.

Stayers’ Hurdle – Teahupoo @ 7/4

Previous Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo finished second behind Bob Olinger in this race last year, but, having run over Christmas this year, he should be much sharper and is well set to gain his revenge on Bob Olinger.

Elliott’s nine-year-old began the season with a narrow victory in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, his third success in the Grade 1 contest.

He went to Leopardstown for the Christmas Hurdle next time and went on to score by a comfortable margin.

Ryanair Chase – Romeo Coolio @ 20/1

This one is potentially a little speculative and somewhat optimistic, as Elliott doesn’t like running novices in open company, but Romeo Coolio is a very talented horse and is much better over 2m4f than he is over two miles these days.

The death of the 2m4f Grade 1 novice chase is a massive inconvenience for him, but the Ryanair looks unusually open this year.

If a novice is going to win it, it could be this year and Romeo Coolio is certainly good enough to make his presence felt.