Wales name Lloyd and Thomas for first Test starts in Six Nations opener

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made bold selection calls ahead of the Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Friday, handing first Test starts to prop Henry Thomas and hooker Evan Lloyd.

Thomas, 33, has made four substitute appearances for Wales since switching allegiance from England in 2023, having earned seven caps for the Red Rose between 2013 and 2014.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Lloyd, who has come off the bench five times, is set for his first start in the No. 2 jersey.

Despite the changes up front, Gatland has named Liam Williams, Nick Tompkins, and Josh Adams in the backline, ensuring a mix of youth and experience for the championship’s opening fixture.

Gatland’s selection of Thomas and Lloyd reflects Wales’ ongoing efforts to develop front-row depth. Thomas, who qualified for Wales last year after surpassing World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule, will start at tighthead, while Lloyd, a promising hooker, looks to cement his place in the squad.

In the half-back department, Cardiff centre Ben Thomas has once again been selected at fly-half, a role he previously filled during Wales’ tour of Australia and later played at inside centre against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa in the autumn.

Uncapped fly-half Dan Edwards is among the replacements, highlighting Wales' intent to develop fresh talent in the position.

Flanker Jac Morgan has been named captain and will lead a back-row trio including James Botham and Aaron Wainwright. The omission of Taulupe Faletau, one of Wales’ most experienced forwards, suggests Gatland is looking at long-term options.

Meanwhile, second-row Dafydd Jenkins, a previous Wales captain, returns to the squad after recovering from knee and shoulder injuries. His presence is expected to bring stability to the Welsh pack against a formidable French forward unit.

Speaking about the challenge ahead, Gatland emphasized the significance of starting the Six Nations campaign on a strong note:

"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 XV: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Ben Thomas, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Evan Lloyd, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Dafydd Jenkins, 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan (c), 8 Aaron Wainwright

Reserves: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Dan Edwards, 23 Blair Murray