Three Ospreys named in Wales team to face Ireland

4th March

Three Ospreys have been named in Steve Tandy’s Wales squad to face Ireland this week in the 2026 Guinness Six Nations.

Dewi Lake captains the side and starts at hoooker, while Dan Edwards and Kieran Hardy represent the Ospreys backs in the squad.

James Botham is named at openside flanker for his first start this Guinness Six Nations, Alex Mann is at blindside flanker and Aaron Wainwright is No. 8.

Dan Edwards is selected at fly-half and Ellis Mee is selected on the wing as both make their third appearance for Wales this Championship.

Among the replacements Louie Hennessey is in line to make his senior international debut while Adam Beard and Olly Cracknell join the forward cover for this match.

Tandy said: “There are a couple of enforced changes this week due to injury and then Ellis had played well in the opening couple of rounds, so we feel he deserves the opportunity again.”

“This week it's about backing up the performance against Scotland. Going away from home is a different type of environment for our group, but the focus for us is really improving on what we did last game.

“I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved so we definitely want to double down on that going to Ireland. You see how they keep the ball in possession, they play lots of passes so we know we're going to have to build and improve from the other week.”

On Louie Hennessey Tandy added: “Louie was unfortunate not to get his opportunity in the autumn, but he's trained really well. He had a bit of a bump on his hand at the start of this campaign, but the way he's recovered and put performances in the training environment has been very impressive. We're all excited to see Louie go out in Dublin.”

Wales team v Ireland – Guinness Six Nations | Tîm Cymru v Iwerddon – Pencampwriaeth Chwe Gwlad Guinness 2026

15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears | Bryste – 38 caps)

14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 6 caps)

13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 7 caps)

12. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 9 caps)

11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 68 caps)

10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 9 caps)

9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 70 caps)

1. Rhys Carre (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 26 caps)

2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys | Gweilch – 29 caps) captain | capten

3. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 80 caps)

4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 29 caps)