Wales team to play Ireland: 2025 Six Nations
Yesterday at 08:46 AM
Matt Sherratt has announced his Wales team to play Ireland at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 22nd February (kick-off 14:15, live on BBC 1).
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
One of the main talking points is Scarlets', Ellis Mee will make his debut on the wing. The 21-year-old has been impressive for the Parc y Scarlets side since joining from Nottingham Rugby last summer.
However, Mee is one of a number of changes that head coach, Sherratt has made as he will take charge of Wales for the remainder of the Six Nations.
There's also one positional change to the side who lost 22-15 to Italy last timeout as Cardiff Rugby's, Ben Thomas moves to his preferred position of 12. This allows, Gareth Anscombe into the starting XV, who was called up to the squad last week having been left out by Warren Gatland. He wears the 10 jersey and joins Tomos Williams to complete the half back pairing.
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Completely New Front Row
Tighthead, WillGriff John is set to win just his third cap having last featured for Wales against Fiji in 2021. Nicky Smith who made his 50th appearance for Wales against France replaces Gareth Thomas as Elliot Dee gets his first start of the Championship with Evan Lloyd dropping onto the bench.
Jenkins is Back Fit
Having missed the clash in Rome after dropping out due to illness, Dafydd Jenkins returns and is joined by Racing 92's Will Rowlands in the second row.
Caption Morgan Switches Sides
Wales Captain, Jac Morgan switches from openside to blindside as Leicester Tigers Tommy Reffell comes into the starting XV. Experienced, Taulupe Falatau remains in the 8 jersey.
Welcome Return at Ten
Gloucester Rugby pairing of both Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe complete the half backs as Anscombe is thrown straight into the starting lineup.
Huge Changes in the Centres
After not being involved in the initial Six Nations squad, Max Llewellyn has been announced to start in the 13 jersey as he replaces Nick Tompkins. Also, Ben Thomas moves back to his preferred inside centre spot after starting his last two games for Wales at 10.
One Debutant in the Back Three
As stated young Ellis Mee will make his international debut for Wales on the left wing as Tom Rogers drops onto right wing. Blair Murray who was one the standouts against Italy starts at 15.
WALES TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND:
15. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 5 Caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets, 7 Caps)
13. Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby, 5 Caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 9 Caps)
11. Ellis Mee (Scarlets, Debut)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby, 39 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 61 Caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers, 52 Caps)
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 53 Caps)
3. WillGriff John (Sale Sharks, 2 Caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 38 Caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Tigers, 20 Caps)
6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 20 Caps) – Captain
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers, 24 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby, 105 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby, 7 Caps)
17. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 37 Caps)
18. Henry Thomas (Scarlets, 6 Caps)
19. Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby, 3 Caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 54 Caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 7 Caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins, 8 Caps)
23. Joe Roberts (Scarlets, 2 Caps)
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UPDATED: Foreign-born players in the 2025 Six Nations
The following breakdown, based on data compiled by Americas Rugby News, examines the composition of various national teams, shedding light on the number of foreign-born players and how they qualify for their respective squads.
This international blend underlines rugby's global nature, with some nations leaning on overseas-born talent more than others. Ahead of round two, we’ve broken down the squads – and Scotland lead the way by a mile when it comes to foreign-born players.
ENGLAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/41 (95.2%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 3/41 (7.3%)
- Bevan Rodd (Scotland) – Parent
- Chandler Cunningham-South (England) – Born in England
- Harry Randall (England) – Born in England
- Marcus Smith (Philippines) – Parent
- Tom Roebuck (Scotland) – Parent
FRANCE
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 39/42 (92.8%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 6/42 (14.2%)
- Dany Priso (Cameroon) – Residency (2008)
- Uini Atonio (New Zealand) – Residency (2014)
- Giorgi Beria (Georgia) – Residency (2002)
- Joshua Brennan (Ireland) – Residency (2005)
- Emmanuel Meafou (New Zealand) – Residency (2023)
- Émilien Gailleton (England) – Parent
IRELAND
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 30/36 (83.3%)
FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 9/36 (25%)
- Rob Herring (South Africa) – Grandparent
- Finlay Bealham (Australia) – Grandparent
- Cormac Izuchukwu (England) – Parent
- Joe McCarthy (USA) – Parent
- Jamison Ratu Gibson-Park (New Zealand) – Residency (2020)
- Bundee Aki (New Zealand) – Residency (2017)
- Ciarán Frawley (Australia) – Parent
- Mack Hansen (Australia) – Parent
- James Lowe (New Zealand) – Residency (2020)
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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