France vs Wales: Williams, Jenkins, And Adams Return For Six Nations Opener

Rhodri Evans
Warren Gatland has named his first Wales matchday squad for his side’s first match of the 2025 Six Nations against France, with experienced players Liam Williams and Josh Adams returning to start.
Both players missed the autumn internationals through injury, as did Dafydd Jenkins who replaces the injured Adam Beard.
Williams and Adams are joined by Tom Rogers in the back three.
Captain Jac Morgan packs down next to James Botham and Aaron Wainwirght, as Taulupe Faletau does not make the 23. Leicester Tigers flanker Tommy Reffell is their back up on the bench
Jenkins is partnered in the second row by Will Rowlands, while Gatland has picked a front row of Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, and Henry Thomas.
Experience Returns to the backs
In the backs, Gatland has recalled Williams and Adams, as well as Nick Tompkins, who partners Owen Watkin in the centre.
At half back, Tomos Williams is joined by Ben Thomas, who last played flyhalf at international level during last year’s summer tour of Australia.
Having made a successful return to international rugby last autumn, Tom Rogers keeps his place in the back three alongside the aforementioned Williams and Adams.
On the bench, Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, and Keiron Assiratti are the front row options, while Freddie Thomas will wear the no.19 shirt.
Rhodri Williams offers experience at scrumhalf, while 21-year-old Dan Edwards is in line for a debut at flyhalf. Blair Murray, who made his debut last autumn, has the 23 shirt.
Gatland expects ‘big occassion’
With much of the build-up to the tournament focusing on Gatland and his longevity in the head coach post, the veteran Wales boss says that he is excited for this French test in Paris on Friday night.
“We’re excited for the challenge on Friday,” Gatland said.
“The Six Nations in 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.”
Dupont and Ntamack Return For Hosts
Toulouse half backs Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack return to the France starting XV, having both missed the 2024 Six Nations due to sevens commitments and injury respectively.
Cyril Baille, who missed the autumn internationals through injury, returns to the bench with Jean-Baptiste Gros preferred to start alongside stalwarts Peato Mauvaka and Uini Atonio.
With regular centres Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou out through injury, Pierre-Louis Barrassi and Yoram Moefana are the centre combination.
Damian Penaud, victim of a slight calf injury in training, does not make the 23, with Thomas Ramos slotting into fullback, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey and 20-year-old Theo Attissogbe in the back three.
Attissogbe only made his France debut during last summer’s tour of Argentina, scoring in each of his first two appearances.
With Thibaut Flament also out injured, Alexandre Roumat partners Emmanuel Meafou as the locks, while Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent and Gregory Alldritt make up the back row.
Friday’s host have selected a 6-2 bench split, with Nolan le Garrec and Emilien Gailleton covering the backs.
Teams
Wales
Liam Williams; Tom Rogers, Owen Watkin, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Ben Thomas, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Jac Morgan (capt), Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray.
France
Thomas Ramos; Theo Attissogbe, Pierre-Louis Barrassi, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Romaine Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (capt); Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Alexandre Roumat, Emmanuel Meafou, Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt.
Replacements
Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Georges-Henri Colombe, Hugo Auradou, Mickael Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Nolann Le Garrec, Emilien Gailleton.
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