As Wales prepare to kick off the 2025 Six Nations away to France, Warren Gatland will hope for an unlikley repeat of 2019 Welsh heroics in Paris.

New Zealand’s Paul Williams is one of the referees for this year’s Six Nations. Williams began his career with the whistle in 2011, and was appointed to the New Zealand High Performance referee squad three years later.

In the front row, props Evan Lloyd and Henry Thomas will make their first starts for Wales in the cauldron of the Stade de France. On the wing, Tom Rogers will earn his sixth cap after last featuring for Wales in their 2023 World Cup warm-up games.

British and Irish Lions duo Josh Adams and Liam Williams return for Wales' Six Nations opener against France, along with Dafydd Jenkins.

Wales' 'strongest' side: Liam Williams; Josh Adams, Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin, Tom Rogers; Ben Thomas, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has highlighted what could backfire for France when the sides meet in Friday's Six Nations opener in Paris.

Gareth, Lauren and Cennydd discuss Warren Gatland’s team for the opening game in France. Read more