Wales team: Steve Tandy ends Louis Rees-Zammit experiment as British and Irish Lions star returns for Fiji showdown
Louis Rees-Zammit (left) and Tomos Williams (right) come into Wales' starting XV to face Fiji
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has drafted some of his key English-based players back into his 23-man squad to face Fiji, with Tomos Williams and Louis Rees-Zammit named.
The PREM contingent were unavailable for Wales’ uncapped fixture against the Barbarians, but come straight back into contention for their Nations Championship opener at Cardiff City Stadium. While it is played on Welsh soil, it is technically an ‘away’ Test for Tandy’s side.
Elsewhere, the head coach has handed out a debut to Ospreys prop Ben Warren, who comes onto the bench.
British and Irish Lions stars back for Wales as Steve Tandy names strong 23 for Fiji
While Rees-Zammit does come straight back into the run-on group, he will do so back on the wing with Blair Murray getting the nod at full-back. They are joined by the experienced Josh Adams in the back-three.
Eddie James and Joe Hawkins again partner in midfield, with that partnership starting to become Wales’ go-to at centre, while Dan Edwards joins the aforementioned Williams in the halves.
Jac Morgan will also make his first capped appearance for Wales since the Autumn Nations Series, joining Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann in a strong back-row. Adam Beard and Ben Carter are named as the lock pairing, with Dafydd Jenkins missing the summer tour through injury.
Dillon Lewis will also win his first Test cap since 2024 at tighthead, joining captain Dewi Lake and Rhys Carre in the front-row.
Tandy has also opted for a traditional 5:3 split on his bench, with Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, the uncapped Warren, Taine Plumtree and James Botham the forward options, while Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow and Ellis Mee form the backs replacements.
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Commenting on his selection, Tandy said: “It’s been awesome get back into camp and get ready for games.
“We want to keep building on the Six Nations and from last weekend as well. We’ve created a lot of momentum and we’re looking to hit the ground running on Saturday.
“We love to be in Wales playing games. Our support means a hell of a lot to us and our fans are incredible how they get behind the team. We’re excited to be in Cardiff to start the Nations Championship.”
On the inclusion of debutant Warren, the head coach added: “Ben picks up things really quickly. I think he’s really developed over the last month in scrums with Paul (James, Wales scrum coach) and for him to get an opportunity to make his debut on Saturday, and in Cardiff, is great.”
Wales team v Fiji in full
Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Rhys Carre
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Ben Warren, 19 Taine Plumtree, 20 James Botham, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Ellis Mee
Date: Saturday, 4 July, 2026
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Kick-off: 14:10 (local), 15:10 (France), 15:10 (South Africa), 23:10 (AEST), 22:10 (JST), 10:10 (Argentina), 9:10 (EDT), 1:10 (5 July, FJT)
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (RFU), Hollie Davidson (SRU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Broadcasters: ITV/S4C (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Wowow (Japan), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network/Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa)
