Wales’ Rees-Zammit at full-back for Six Nations return against England

Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit has been moved to full-back from the wing for his Six Nations return against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Rees-Zammit has not played in the tournament for three years, announcing his decision to leave rugby union for an 18-month spell in the NFL on the eve of the 2024 competition.

The 25-year-old Bristol flyer made his Wales comeback in November, but the team’s Six Nations opener will be only the fourth time in 36 Test appearances he will have started at full-back.

“I love it. It allows me to get more touches on the ball in open field, it suits my game,” Rees-Zammit said about playing full-back in an interview with the BBC.

“I much prefer it. I’ve played 15 in the past for Wales, but I think now I’m kind of seen as a 15 that can play on the wing.”

“It just brings something different and the way Bristol play is absolutely perfect for me.

“I’ve got the licence to not do what I want, but when I’ve got the ball back there I have to make a decision and back myself.”

A Wales victory on Saturday would constitute one of the all-time great upsets given they have lost 21 of their last 23 Tests — a run that includes a record 68-14 Six Nations defeat by England in Cardiff last season.

By contrast England, who named their team on Monday, are on an 11-game winning streak.

Wales have also finished bottom of the Championship for the past two seasons and last won a Six Nations match in 2023.

But Wales coach Steve Tandy, after announcing his on Thursday, said: “Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture.

“We know they (England) are 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.”

Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake captains Wales, with Leicester’s Nicky Smith and Bath’s Archie Griffin either side of him in the front row. Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard pair up at lock

Meanwhile flanker Josh Macleod makes his first Six Nations appearance, alongside Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright in the back row, after Wales skipper Jac Morgan was ruled out with a dislocated shoulder suffered in the November opener against Argentina.