Louis Rees-Zammit has been moved to full-back as he prepares to make his Six Nations return for Wales' opening game of the tournament against England. 

Rees-Zammit has scored eight tries in 14 matches for Bristol Bears in the Premiership this season but will revert from his usual position of wing at Twickenham on Saturday. 

The 25-year-old made his Wales comeback in November after spending eighteen months in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Indeed, Rees-Zammit will make his first Six Nations appearance since the final round of the 2023 Championship against France.

His last try came against England in Round 3 that year, which was also one of just two Championship games in which he gained 100+ metres (109, also 144 v Italy in 2021).

"Zammo is threatening if there is a kick too long," Wales' new coach Steve Tandy said of his decision to start Rees-Zammit. "As much as he is quick, he is a big, big man."

The Welsh side that will take on England this weekend! #GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/MTzXMEb2NX

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 5, 2026

Hooker Dewi Lake captains the side in the absence of injured Jac Morgan, who is replaced by tournament debutant Josh Macleod.

Tandy's maiden Six Nations team sees Eddie James handed his second Wales start, replacing the injured Max Llewellyn at outside centre.

The Wales boss is hoping to turn around a side that has finished bottom of the Championship for two years running, and they are winless in their last 11 Six Nations matches.

It is their longest run without victory in any iteration of the Championship, having never previously lost more than eight consecutive matches.

"Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture," Tandy added. "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 XV to face England: Louis Rees-Zammit; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, Josh Macleod, Alex Mann; Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake, Nicky Smith. 

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, Harri Deaves, Kieran Hardy, Mason Grady.