WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the second round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, where they will face Italy at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, on Saturday (Feb 8) at 2:15pm GMT. The match will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Taulupe Faletau returns at No. 8, making his first appearance since Wales’ 43-19 win over Georgia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He joins captain Jac Morgan (openside flanker) and James Botham (blindside flanker) in the back row.

Eddie James will make his Six Nations debut, starting in the midfield alongside Nick Tompkins. Hooker Evan Lloyd and tighthead prop Henry Thomas earn their second Test starts, with Gareth Thomas at loosehead.

Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins continue their second-row partnership, while Tomos Williams (scrum-half) and Ben Thomas (fly-half) retain their half-back roles.

The back three remains unchanged, with wings Josh Adams and Tom Rogers joining fullback Liam Williams.

Wales bench options

Among the replacements, Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, and Aaron Wainwright provide cover for the forwards. Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, and Blair Murray are the replacement backs.

Gatland said: “This has been an important week of preparation with a lot of hard work in training. We want to be accurate and disciplined on Saturday, ensuring our execution and game management are at a high level.

“Italy are a quality side with physical players, and we are looking forward to a strong contest. The squad is excited for the challenge.”

Wales team v Italy

15. Liam Williams (Saracens – 93 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 6 caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 39 caps)
12. Eddie James (Scarlets – 3 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 60 caps)
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 60 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 36 caps)
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 5 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 37 caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 20 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 19 caps) – captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 104 caps)

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons – 52 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 50 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 11 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 2 caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 53 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 6 caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 1 cap)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 4 caps)

2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures

Friday (Jan 31): France 43-0 Wales
Stade de France, Paris

Saturday (Feb 8): Italy v Wales
Stadio Olimpico, Rome (KO 2:15pm GMT)

Saturday (Feb 22): Wales v Ireland
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (KO 2:15pm GMT)

Saturday (Mar 8): Scotland v Wales
Murrayfield, Edinburgh (KO 4:45pm GMT)

Saturday (Mar 15): Wales v England
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (KO 4:45pm GMT)

Tough basement derby at Marble Hall

Milford United 0 – St Ishmaels 0

A fiercely contested relegation battle at Marble Hall ended in a goalless draw as Milford United and St Ishmaels fought for crucial points in their fight for survival. While neither side found the net, the match was anything but dull, with intense physical battles and a flurry of bookings keeping referee Sean O’Connor busy.

O’Connor issued an astonishing 11 yellow cards as both teams pushed the limits in a high-tempo clash. Despite the aggressive nature of the game, no players saw red, underlining the combative but disciplined approach from both sides.

The point could prove vital in the battle to avoid the drop, with St Ishmaels remaining second from bottom and Milford United just one place above them. With Herbrandston already preparing for life in Division 2 next season, the relegation fight now looks set to be a three-way tussle between Tish, Milford, and Bridge.

Milford United Line-Up:

Charlie Malloy, Curtis Davies, Sam Davies, Will Goodall, Scott Griffiths (C), Ieuan Rutherford, Rhys Brawn, Jack Dyer, Joey Jones, Scott Reid, Liam Davies.

Subs: Tommy Powles, Alex Ouzman, Anthony Hubbock.

St Ishmaels Line-Up:

Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrie, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald, Tyler Sheil, Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Thomas Williams, Nathan Thomas.

Subs: Dylan Ninnis, Daniel Coe.

Referee: Sean O’Connor.

Herbie improve but fall to Clarby Road

Herbrandston 0 – Clarbeston Road 3

Herbrandston produced an improved performance but were ultimately overpowered by a clinical Clarbeston Road side, who secured a convincing 3-0 victory.

Clarby took control early, racing into a commanding first-half lead. Star striker Sam Hurton struck twice in quick succession before setting up Jake Wesley for a third goal just before halftime. Despite struggling for form this season, Herbie tightened up in the second half and prevented further damage, with manager Leigh Galdo’s side showing greater resilience after the break.

Hurton had the chance to complete his hat-trick late on but missed an 88th-minute penalty. However, the damage had already been done, and Clarbeston Road comfortably saw out the win to continue their strong campaign.

Herbrandston Line-Up:

Adrian Rees, Thomas Richardson, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Matthew Jones, Scott Gillespie, Caian Hughes, Adam Whatling, Aeron Hughes, Liam Harries, Archie MacCallum (C).

Subs: Daniel Kilgallon, Thomas Philpot, Leo Duncan.

Clarbeston Road Line-Up:

Ryan Mansell, Josh Wood (C), Llywelyn George, Travis Jones, Sam Hurton, Liam James, Jake Booth, Matthew Davies, Rhys Lloyd-Roberts, Jake Wesley, Laurie Haworth.

Subs: Steffan Thomas, Matthew Davies.

Saints Clinch Johnny James Cup with Double Victory

Llangwm 13 – St Davids 20

ST DAVIDS secured a hard-fought double over rivals Llangwm, winning both the league fixture and the prestigious Johnny James Memorial Cup at a packed Pill Parks. Having claimed a 31-18 victory earlier in the season, The Saints took a 15-8 lead into halftime before sealing the win with a late try.

Llangwm, bolstered by the debut of former Pembroke lock Craig Williamson, fought back with a penalty and a 64th-minute try but fell short. St Davids’ defensive resilience proved decisive, with Nathan Foster lifting the cup at the final whistle.

Scorers:

• Llangwm: Tries – Rhys Llewellyn, Andrew Evans; Pen – Breig Matthews.
• St Davids: Tries – Rhys Price, Morgan Griffiths, George Raymond; Con – Bob Froy; Pen – Bob Froy.
• Man of the Match: Llangwm – Breig Matthews; St Davids – George Raymond.

Dreigiau Emlyn Snatch Victory in Thriller

Dreigiau Emlyn 25 – Pembroke 24

DREIGIAU EMLYN edged a dramatic contest at Ddol Wiber, securing a narrow one-point win over Pembroke. The Scarlets had taken the reverse fixture 36-32 and looked set for a double, leading 19-8 at halftime. However, The Dragons mounted a spirited comeback with well-worked tries and dominance at the breakdown.

Pembroke, who had been on a seven-match winning streak, took home two bonus points but were hampered by uncontested scrums after an Emlyn injury.

Scorers:

• Pembroke: Tries – Dai Rogers, Barry Alderman-John, Rhodri Williams, Evan Davies; Cons – Jared Sherratt (2).

Bulls and Quins Share the Spoils

Teirw Crymych 17 – Pembroke Dock Harlequins 17

TEIRW CRYMYCH and Pembroke Dock Harlequins could not be separated at Parc Lloyd Thomas, battling to a 17-17 draw in a hard-fought contest. Both sides produced strong defensive efforts, with well-executed tries ensuring a share of the points.

Llanybydder Unable to Raise a Team

Llanybydder P – Narberth Athletic P

LLANYBYDDER were unable to field a team, resulting in a postponed fixture.

Mariners Sail into Plate Semi-Finals

Milford Haven 28 – Neyland 17

MILFORD HAVEN booked their place in the Pembrokeshire KO Cup Plate semi-finals with a commanding 28-17 victory over Neyland at The Obs. The Mariners stormed to a 21-0 halftime lead with three converted tries before Neyland mounted a spirited second-half comeback.

Two converted tries and a penalty saw Neyland close the gap, but Milford struck late with a fourth converted try to secure the win.

Scorers:

• Milford Haven: Tries – Aaron Mayne, James Trueman, Robbie Jones, Dan McClelland; Cons – James Trueman (4).
• Neyland: Tries – Ben Williams, Iestyn Evans; Cons – George Evans (2); Pen – George Evans.

Despite the defeat, Neyland received a boost as their closest challengers dropped points, keeping them two points clear at the top of Division Four (West) with three games in hand.