Jenkins to start in Wales' Six Nations opener versus England
Published on: 05/02/2026
Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins has been named to start for Wales in the 2026 Guinness Six Nations opener against England.
The match kicks off at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham at 4:40pm live on ITV1 on Saturday, 7 February.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has selected an experienced second row partner for Jenkins as Adam Beard pulls on the number five shirt.
Hooker Dewi Lake captains the side which also includes British and Irish Lions scrum-half Tomos Williams as well as Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back, as the Bristol Bears man prepares to make his first Six Nations appearance since 2023.
Tandy said: "Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture. We know they're playing some outstanding rugby and they're in great form. But I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales.
"The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and really attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves. Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and it's something we can't wait to do."
Wales:
15 Louis Rees-Zammit
14 Ellis Mee
13 Eddie James
12 Ben Thomas
11 Josh Adams
10 Dan Edwards
9 Tomos Williams
1 Nicky Smith
2 Dewi Lake
3 Archie Griffin
4 Dafydd Jenkins
5 Adam Beard
6 Alex Mann
7 Josh Macleod
8 Aaron Wainwright
Replacements:
16 Liam Belcher
17 Rhys Carre
18 Tomas Francis
19 Ben Carter
20 Taine Plumtree
21 Harris Deaves
22 Kieran Hardy
23 Mason Grady
Written By:
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club
