Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

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YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Hakin United edge Carew in tight contest
Carew 0 – Hakin United 2

Hakin United kept the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United with a gritty 2-0 victory over Carew at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. The second-placed Vikings remain firmly in the title race, poised to capitalize on any slip-ups by Goodwick.

The game was settled in the first half, with Ryan Wilson breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute. The Hakin captain connected with a pinpoint Shane Walsh cross to score from close range. Hakin doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime when Wilson turned provider. He set up Alfie Stotter, who unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that soared into the roof of Jack Harries’ net.

Despite Carew’s determined second-half efforts, there were no further goals, and Hakin secured their thirteenth win of the season.

Goodwick United narrowly beat Merlins Bridge
Goodwick United 1 – Merlins Bridge 0

Goodwick United clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Merlins Bridge in a hard-fought encounter at Phoenix Park. Although Goodwick dominated possession and created multiple chances, poor finishing meant they had to battle for the win.

The decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Luke Hayward’s well-delivered corner found Matty Delaney, who headed the ball into the net from close range. Goodwick struck the woodwork several times during the match, but their single goal proved enough to secure all three points.

Goodwick will be looking to sharpen their finishing ahead of their West Wales Intermediate Cup clash with Cwmamman United next Saturday.

Tenby too strong for Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – Tenby 10

Tenby United delivered a commanding 10-0 victory over bottom-placed Herbrandston in a one-sided affair. The visitors controlled proceedings from the outset, leading 3-0 at halftime before adding seven more goals in the second half.

Scott Ferney opened the scoring, followed by strikes from captain Daniel Storer and Jerome Williams. After the break, Ned Davies, Joe Leahy, and Ferney extended the lead, with Ferney netting his second consecutive hat-trick. Leahy added another to complete his brace, before Ferney scored his third to make it 8-0. Rhys Morgan and Jacob Hipkiss rounded off the rout with late goals.

The emphatic win keeps Tenby climbing the table, while Herbrandston remain without a point this season.