Wales' summer campaign kicks off with a double-header against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Steve Tandy's men face the invitational side at 2pm, followed by Sean Lynn's women at 5pm.
Free-to-air coverage and streaming
Both matches will be broadcast live and free-to-air in the UK on S4C, which holds exclusive rights. Coverage begins at 1.30pm. Fans can also stream via BBC iPlayer, S4C Clic, and S4C Chwaraeon's YouTube channel, with Welsh and English commentary options.
Team news
The men's squads feature several internationals. The Barbarians are captained by Faf de Klerk, while Wales captain Dewi Lake leads a side including Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright. The women's Barbarians are captained by Emily Chancellor, with Wales featuring Nel Metcalfe and Sisilia Tuipulotu.
Full men's teams
Barbarians: Tom Spring; Andrew Kellaway, Jeremy Ward, Alex Nankivell, Virimi Vakatawa; Harry Plummer, Faf de Klerk (c); Giorgi Kharaishvili, Elliot Dee, Vincent Koch, Izack Rodda, Romain Taofifénua, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Boshier, Nathan Hughes. Replacements: Harry Thacker, Jack Iscaro, Paul Alo-Emile, Yoan Tanga, Jordan Joseph, Santiago Arata, George North, Liam McConnell.
Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Ellis Mee; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy; Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, Dillon Lewis, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Taine Plumtree, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Barratt, Ben Warren, Ryan Woodman, Harrison Keddie, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Sam Costelow, Mason Grady.
Full women's teams
Barbarians: Lori Cramer; Ruby Tui, Claudia Pena, Alex Tessier, Rachel Lund; Liv McGoverne, Caity Mattinson; Laura Delgado Dueñas, Carys Phillips, Christine Belisle, Poppy Leitch, Sarah Bonar, Amy Rule, Emily Chancellor (c), Rownita Marston-Mulhearn. Replacements: Emily Tuttosi, Bryony Cleall, Charli Jacoby, Amelia Buckland-Hurry, Ilaria Arrighetti, Jenny Maxwell, Lagi Tuima, Celia Quansah.
Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Kelsie Webster, Courtney Keight, Jenna de Vera, Amy Williams; Kayleigh Powell, Seren Lockwood; Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Branwen Metcalfe, Jorja Aiono, Alex Callender, Bryonie King. Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Katherine Baverstock, Stella Orrin, Alaw Pyrs, Lucy Isaac, Lily Hawkins, Keira Bevan, Freya Bell.
Context and importance
The men's match serves as preparation for the inaugural Nations Championship, where Wales will face Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa. The women's side aims to end a nine-match losing streak. According to the Welsh Rugby Union, the Barbarians fixture offers a chance to build momentum for both squads ahead of their respective campaigns.
