Williams, Adams and Jenkins return for Wales' Six Nations opener

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Men's Six Nations: France v Wales

Venue: Stade de France Date: Friday, 31 January Kick-off: 20:15 GMT

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC 5 Live; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on S4C.

British and Irish Lions duo Josh Adams and Liam Williams return for Wales' Six Nations opener against France.

With over 150 caps combined, they bring a wealth of experience for what promises to be a stern test in Paris.

Dafydd Jenkins is also back in the side, who along with Adams missed the autumn internationals after undergoing surgery.

Williams was absent for the 2024 Six Nations after his stint in Japanese rugby, but returns after re-joining Saracens in November.

Evan Lloyd and Henry Thomas are given their first Wales starts in the front row alongside Gareth Thomas, while lock Will Rowlands partners Jenkins.

Wales captain Jac Morgan starts at flanker with James Botham, while Aaron Wainwright has proved his fitness to start at number eight.

Taulupe Faletau misses out after suffering a knee injury in training with Cardiff.

Ben Thomas is given the nod ahead of Dan Edwards at fly-half, with Edwards set to win his first cap from the bench.

Tomos Williams will partner Thomas in the half-backs, while Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form an experienced midfield.

Tom Rogers and Adams are named on the wings, with Williams starting at full-back.

Wales travel to Paris on Wednesday looking to put an end to a record 12 straight Test losses which saw them claim the Wooden Spoon in last year's Six Nations.

Head coach Warren Gatland's position had been on the line after an autumn review, but the New Zealander has been backed by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to turn things around during his second stint in charge.

More to follow.

Wales: Liam Williams; Tom Rogers, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, 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.

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