THE Six Nations is fast approaching, and Wales enter the tournament facing challenges both on and off the field.
The team has lost every match in the past two Championships and are widely tipped to claim a third successive Wooden Spoon. Their current streak stands at 11 consecutive Six Nations defeats, with the last victory coming against Italy in Rome in March 2023. At home, Wales have not won a Six Nations match since beating Scotland in February 2022.
Across all internationals, Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 matches. The 2025 season brought particularly painful home defeats, including record losses to England, Argentina, and South Africa, with the hosts humbled 73-0.
With expectations at an all-time low, we look at how Wales’ Six Nations rivals view the team as head coach Steve Tandy prepares for his first tournament in charge.
England v Wales: ‘passionate’ clash anticipated – Borthwick
Wales open their campaign against England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 7 February. The two sides are in markedly different positions, with England on an 11-game winning streak, including a 68-14 triumph over Wales in Cardiff last March.
England head coach Steve Borthwick, however, insists that history will count for little on the day.
“Every single England v Wales game I have been involved in – whether playing, coaching, or watching – has been fiercely competitive and full of passion,” said Borthwick. “The intensity is enormous, and we expect nothing less this time. Wales have many talented and athletic players, so it will be a proper test.”
England hooker Jamie George described Wales under Tandy as something of an unknown tactical challenge but anticipated the familiar emotional intensity.
“We do not know exactly what to expect with a new coaching team,” said George. “What we do know is that any Wales side will bring huge pride, passion, and a physical, confrontational approach.”
Friends reunited in Cardiff
Tandy spent six years as defence coach under Gregor Townsend with Scotland before returning home to take the Welsh job.
“It is great that Steve has had the opportunity to coach his own country,” Townsend said. “We miss him, and it was an emotional moment when we told the players after the match against Samoa in November.”
Townsend believes Tandy’s influence will be positive for Wales.
“He has embraced the role with Welsh pride while working to build a new group of players,” he said. “I remember when he joined us, he was brilliant at that.”
The former colleagues will now meet as rivals when Scotland visit the Principality Stadium on 21 February. Scotland’s 2024 win in Cardiff marked their first away Six Nations victory there in 22 years.
“There are some fantastic venues in this tournament, but Cardiff always seems to give the home side an extra advantage,” Townsend added. “The supporters’ passion and the stadium’s layout make it incredibly noisy and energising.”
France visit Cardiff after England trip
France, led by captain Antoine Dupont, crushed Wales 43-0 in the opening game of the 2025 Championship on their way to winning the title. Les Bleus arrive in Cardiff for the second round on Sunday, 15 February, following a home opener against Ireland.
“It is probably my favourite stadium outside of France,” said Dupont. “The atmosphere is incredible, and the home fans make it very loud. It is always special to play there.”
Dupont will face Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams, who has impressed for Gloucester and is Wales’ second-most capped player behind returning prop Tomas Francis.
“I have played against him several times; he is a very good player and a key man for Wales,” said Dupont. “He is performing well in the Premiership, so it will be a strong contest again.”
Ireland and Italy close Wales’ campaign
Wales travel to Dublin for a Friday night clash with Ireland on 6 March. Ireland coach Andy Farrell had only selected two Welsh players during his tenure with the British and Irish Lions in the series win over Australia: Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan and Gloucester scrum-half Williams, the latter injured before the series began.
Wales finish the tournament against Italy in Cardiff on 14 March. The Azzurri are chasing a third successive win over Wales, having also claimed victories in Cardiff in the previous two Championships and celebrating a notable win over Australia in November 2025.
“It is true that Italy has had some good results in recent years,” said Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada. “I am aware of the crisis in Wales and the challenges within their clubs, but I also know how much pride they will bring to the Six Nations. A strong performance would help during this transition.”
Quesada highlighted the difference in facilities between Italy and the other five nations.
“Wales have incredible facilities and conditions to prepare with,” he said. “We are the only federation without our own rugby training centre. It is not an excuse, just a fact. We aim to compete against Wales as we do against every other side.”
Wales’ 2026 Six Nations Fixtures
- Saturday, 7 February: England v Wales, 16:40 GMT, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Sunday, 15 February: Wales v France, 15:10 GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Saturday, 21 February: Wales v Scotland, 16:40 GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Friday, 6 March: Ireland v Wales, 20:10 GMT, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Saturday, 14 March: Wales v Italy, 16:40 GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
