Team Announcement: George North at centre, Lydiate starts

Wales have named their team to face Ireland in their opening 2021 Six Nations encounter in Cardiff on Sunday (February 7, KO 15.00).

Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate makes his first start for Wales since November 2018, reward for his form, making his 65th appearance for Wales in an all British & Irish Lions back-row alongside Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones will partner the returning Adam Beard in the second-row.

Ken Owens returns to the side after missing the autumn campaign due to injury and lines up alongside Wyn Jones and Tomas Francis.

Tomos Williams will make his first appearance since last year’s tournament after injury and partners Dan Biggar at half-back.

Johnny Williams partners George North in the centre, with North winning his 99th Wales cap.

The back-three comprises of Hallam Amos, Louis Rees-Zammit and Leigh Halfpenny.

“We are looking forward to kicking off our campaign this weekend and putting into action two really good training weeks,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

“We made strides forward through the autumn and we are looking to take that into Sunday and into this tournament.

“The Six Nations is a fantastic tournament and is important for us rugby wise but it is important for so much more this year.

“It is important for communities across the country and we want to play our part and give everyone something to look forward to and to get excited about on the weekend.”

Elliot Dee, Rhodri Jones and Leon Brown provide the front-row cover for Wales with Will Rowlands and Josh Navidi completing the forward contingent. Gareth Davies, Callum Sheedy and Nick Tompkins provide the back-line cover.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND