Wales and Ireland preparing for battle

Speaking during the morning session on the stage, fly-half Dan Biggar – who will captain Wales for the 2022 Guinness Six Nations, with usual skipper Alun Wyn Jones out injured – is eager to build early momentum in their title defence.

“It’s a really tough start with the form that Ireland showed in autumn and how impressive Ireland are,” said Biggar. “We know how tough going to Dublin is, we’ve not had much success there in the last few years.

“This Championship hinges on momentum – if you get off to a good start, things flow and things get easier. It’s important for a good start – an away win on the first weekend sets you up nicely.

“The opening couple of weekends are pivotal to how the campaign will go for you.”

Ahead of the launch, Ireland captain Johnny Sexton had joked that with Biggar appointed as Wales skipper for the Championship, he’s “not sure the refs are going to be too happy having to deal with me and him!”

The frivolities continued on the main stage at the launch, with Sexton complimenting the choice of Biggar as captain and going on to say: “I got to know Dan on the Lions tour [in 2013] and we stayed in touch since.

“He’ll do well as captain for Wales. Obviously he’s known for sometimes getting at the ref but now he’s captain I’m sure he’ll be cool, calm and collected, just like I am!”

That prompted laughter from the assembled skippers and vice-skippers, with Biggar responding: “I agree with what Johnny said and hopefully Jaco [Peyper – referee for the Round 1 clash between Ireland and Wales] will get out unscathed!”

For their part, Ireland impressed as they won every game during the Autumn Nations Series and Sexton says the team are keen to extend that form into the 2022 Guinness Six Nations.

“We’ve got a pretty young squad apart from one or two outliers like me,” he explained. “The guys bring great energy, it’s been a great camp over last couple of years, especially in November with better performances than previously.

“We hope to continue that line into the Six Nations. We’ve got the reigning champions first up, so our full focus is on that one.”