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.

In Pembrokeshire, horse racing has a knack for lingering, sometimes right beneath the surface of daily life. The last local racecourses closed years back, yet those echoes shape the rhythms and stories of the place even now. For almost two centuries, the region’s equestrian traditions have wound their way from Haverfordwest to the smallest of rural villages, influencing customs and gatherings alike.

These days, you’ll spot horse culture in a patchwork of ways: trainers with national profiles, local equestrian centres, small but lively sporting days, and the rural competition that draws folks from across West Wales. Pembrokeshire’s flags may not fly above grandstands now, but the region’s bond with racing is felt in more subtle forms, through jobs, through community, and through lasting pride in a broader Welsh racing tradition.

Horse racing’s role in Pembrokeshire community life

Go back to the 1800s and Pembrokeshire held a place of real weight in Welsh horse racing. Haverfordwest Racecourse opened in 1833, an initiative of local landowners keen to carve out not just new sport but also a stage for society events. People poured in to watch: hundreds, sometimes more, drawn as much by the spectacle and social whirl as the races themselves. Over time things shifted. Costs crept up, other types of recreation gained ground, and eventually the roar of race crowds faded.

By the middle of the 20th century, sites like Haverfordwest’s track had become fields for cricket, football, and the odd casual ride. The official race fixtures faded out, but the threads connecting those old gatherings to the idea of modern racing never quite snapped. Local interest in horse racing betting also links with the area’s longstanding equestrian heritage, as individuals continue to follow national and international racing developments.

Keeping the racing spirit alive: local trainers and new connections

There’s still an unmistakable racing heartbeat in Pembrokeshire, even without a big local track. Much of that comes from a handful of trainers who, over time, have steered hundreds of horses to strong finishes at key meets. One trainer, based locally for more than thirty years, has quietly racked up notable success stories and drawn attention to the county’s role in serious racing circles.

Training operations here aren’t just about preparing horses, they create hands-on opportunities for people who want to work with animals or pursue equestrian skills. Not far off, Carmarthenshire’s Ffos Las Racecourse, opened in 2009, gives locals an event to rally around and keeps the ties to top-level competition alive. Alongside this, riding centres, like Pembrokeshire’s only RDA-accredited stable, make sure access remains broad, supporting both sport and therapeutic work.

Life around the track: community and legacy

Even though official race meetings are rare now, the spirit of gathering lingers. Seasonal point-to-point events, as well as old-fashioned harness racing, continue to pop up, drawing friends and neighbours together for something more than just sport. These meetups often mark the agricultural year: a break, a celebration, or simply a reason to come together.

Pembrokeshire’s racing reputation, though reflected more through its trainers and volunteers nowadays, keeps its link to the wider Welsh racing scene. Meanwhile, businesses from livery to veterinary care, and even small-scale tourism, find their place in this network. Markers of the county’s racing story, former racecourse locations, trainers known beyond the county, and local traditions, give shape to how residents view Pembrokeshire’s place in the bigger picture.

Riding culture, from countryside to community

Horse riding remains threaded through Pembrokeshire’s countryside. Riding schools and equestrian centres offer everything from lessons to social rides, and there’s steady demand for such activities well outside of any competitive sphere. Many people take to the region’s bridleways simply for pleasure or wellbeing. With border counties hosting larger meets now and then, there’s still plenty of incentive to keep the tradition alive.

The effect spreads wider than it might seem, fueling local shops, specialized suppliers, and providing a low-key boost to tourism. Increasingly, new initiatives tie traditional skills to digital platforms, creating ways for people to stay connected to the sport no matter where they find themselves.

Navigating the modern world of horse racing

These days, involvement in racing means taking a thoughtful approach. Whether you’re watching, helping out, or simply keeping tabs on the latest results, participating can be meaningful if done with care. When engaging in any gaming or wagering, including, it is important to remain aware of the need for self-control and moderation. Support is available for those wishing to balance their interest.

Local clubs and community groups often champion messages about keeping activities healthy and sustainable. In the end, Pembrokeshire’s racing tradition adapts year by year, what matters is keeping traditions relevant, responsible, and genuinely rooted in local life.