Steve Tandy makes three changes as Wales prepare for Dublin test

HEAD COACH Steve Tandy has named the Wales team to face Ireland in the fourth round of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, March 6 (kick-off 8:10pm, live on ITV1 and S4C).

There are three changes to the starting XV as Wales prepare to play in their alternate kit for the trip to Dublin.

James Botham is selected at openside flanker for his first start of this year’s Championship. Alex Mann moves to blindside flanker, while Aaron Wainwright continues at No.8.

Dan Edwards starts at fly-half and Ellis Mee is named on the wing, with both players making their third appearance for Wales in this year’s Six Nations.

Among the replacements, Louie Hennessey is in line to make his senior international debut. Adam Beard and Olly Cracknell provide additional forward cover on the bench.

Tandy said: “There are a couple of enforced changes this week due to injury. Ellis played well in the opening couple of rounds and we feel he deserves another opportunity.

“This week is about building on the performance against Scotland. Going away from home brings a different environment for the group, but our focus is on improving what we did last time out.

“I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved and we want to build on that going to Ireland. They are very strong in possession and move the ball well, so we know we’ll need to raise our performance again.”

Speaking about Hennessey’s potential debut, Tandy added: “Louie was unfortunate not to get his opportunity in the autumn but he’s trained extremely well. He had a knock to his hand at the start of the campaign, but the way he has recovered and performed in training has been very impressive. We’re all excited to see him potentially get his chance in Dublin.”

Wales team v Ireland – Guinness Six Nations 2026

15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 38 caps)
16. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 6 caps)
17. Eddie James (Scarlets – 7 caps)
18. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 9 caps)
19. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 68 caps)
20. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 9 caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 70 caps)
22. Rhys Carre (Saracens – 26 caps)
23. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 29 caps) captain
24. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 80 caps)
25. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 29 caps)
26. Ben Carter (Dragons – 17 caps)
27. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 14 caps)
28. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 19 caps)
29. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 65 caps)

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 46 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 61 caps)
18. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 14 caps)
19. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 63 caps)
20. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 3 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 30 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 16 caps)
23. Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby – uncapped)

Wales – 2026 Six Nations results and fixtures

Saturday, Feb 7: England 48–7 Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Sunday, Feb 15: Wales 12–54 France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday, Feb 21: Wales 23–26 Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Friday, Mar 6: Ireland v Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8:10pm)
Saturday, Mar 14: Wales v Italy – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4:40pm)

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Henri Cynwyl from Newcastle Emlyn has finished third overall in the F1000 Junior British Rally Championship after a dramatic double-header finale at the Glyn Memorial Rally in Anglesey.

Having led the championship standings for much of the season, Henri went into the final round firmly in contention for the title. A fiercely competitive battle at the sharp end of the leaderboard ultimately saw him secure third place overall — making him the highest-placed Welsh driver in the popular junior series.

“I had to use a drop score on the first day and managed a podium finish on the second, which was the final day of the championship,” said Henri. “Getting the top spot just wasn’t to be this time, but I’m still chuffed with third. I’ve learnt so much over the past two years competing at circuits across Wales, England and Scotland.”

Over the past two seasons Henri has worked alongside a number of co-drivers, including Mark Williams, Dylan Davies, Izzie Holman, James Williams, Ben Duke, Geraint Evans and Callum James. More recently he has teamed up with Catrin Price, who will sit alongside him for this year’s tarmac events, and Dilwyn John for gravel rallies.

Behind the scenes, his service crew — Mark Williams and Josh Clark of Castle Motors in Newcastle Emlyn — have played a crucial role in keeping the car in peak condition throughout the campaign.

“There are so many people to thank for making this possible — my family and close friends, my amazing sponsors, co-drivers and service crew,” Henri added. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I can’t wait to start the new chapter in March.”

Henri is coached by James Williams as he prepares for the upcoming season.

Friendly League – Week nineteen

LAST week saw another round of matches in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League, with several strong performances across the division.

St Twynnells recorded a maximum points win with a 10–0 victory over Hundleton, while St Johns beat Cosheston 8–2. Lamphey also secured an 8–2 result against Carew, and Badgers defeated East Williamston by the same scoreline. Llanteg claimed a narrow 6–4 win over Reynalton.

Kilgetty had the bye.

One catch-up fixture was also played, with St Twynnells beating Kilgetty 8–2.

League table after week 19

East Williamston continue to lead the table after 18 matches, having recorded 13 wins and five defeats, with a shot difference of +178 and 122 points.

St Johns sit second having played 17, with 11 wins, one draw and five losses, and 103 points.

Hundleton are third with nine wins, one draw and seven losses from 17 matches, on 91 points.

Reynalton are fourth with seven wins, two draws and eight defeats, and 85 points.

St Twynnells have climbed into fifth place after 16 matches, with eight wins, two draws and six losses, and 83 points.

Carew are sixth with eight wins and nine defeats from 17 games, with 81 points.

Llanteg have played 14 matches, winning seven and losing seven, and sit on 73 points.

Kilgetty are eighth with six wins, one draw and 10 losses from 17 matches, also on 71 points, just ahead of Badgers on shot difference. Badgers have five wins, one draw and 11 defeats.

Cosheston are tenth with five wins, two draws and seven losses from 14 matches, on 62 points.

Lamphey are eleventh with seven wins and nine losses from 16 games, on 60 points.