This curtain-raising first round boasts a much-anticipated clash as Wales host Scotland at the home of Welsh rugby in a match that is set to challenge attendance records for a standalone women’s international in Cardiff.

This is a fixture of parity and pressure. Wales arrive determined to atone for their loss in the corresponding fixture in 2024 next door at the Arms Park, looking to utilise the home advantage of the national stadium to spark a new era of consistency. Scotland, meanwhile, will seek to impress more than just their fans, with a new head coach in the form of former USA boss Sione Fukofuka.

This encounter provides a chance to set the tone for the entire Championship. Expect tactical chess, fierce breakdown battles, and high-octane backline play as these two Celtic rivals collide to kick off their 2026 campaigns.

🗓️ Date: Saturday 11 April

🕑 Kick-off: 16:40 BST

🏟️ Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

📺 Broadcast: BBC (UK), S4C (WAL) - How to watch

📝 Referee: Ella Goldsmith

🎟️ Tickets: WRU

Teams 👥

Wales: Powell; Singleton, Cox, Keight, Neumann; George, Bevan; G Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Aiono, Crabb, Lewis, Williams (capt), King.

Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, A Pyrs, Evans, Metcalfe, Lockwood, Dallavalle.

Scotland: Rollie, Lloyd, Orr, Smith, Campbell, Nelson, Brebner-Holden; Bartlett, Skeldon, Clarke, Wassell, Cunningham, Malcolm, Stewart, Coubrough.

Replacements: Martin, Swann, Poolman, Bogan, Donaldson, Darroch, Wills, Scott.

Prediction 📈

Oval Insights predict a Scotland win by 16 points, giving the visitors an 85% chance of winning compared to Wales' 12%.

Players to watch

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 WALES: Sisilia Tuipulotu remains one of the most destructive scrummagers in the game, anchoring the Welsh front row with a blend of raw power and technical evolution.

Seren Singleton is the uncapped spark on the wing whose fearless approach have seen her fast-tracked into the starting XV. Her ability to find work and finish half-chances makes her a vital new weapon in the Welsh back three.

The formidable Branwen Metcalfe, a back rower still in the early stages of her international journey, is set to be let loose at the breakdown.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 SCOTLAND: For Scotland’s trip to Cardiff, uncapped back-rower Alex Stewart might be one to watch; the youngster has dominated domestic stretches with her technical prowess over the ball and relentless support lines.

In the heart of the backline, veteran Helen Nelson remains the ultimate tactical anchor, bringing world-class game management and a calming veteran presence to the Scottish ten jersey.

Wing Lucia Scott, who has turned heads with her try-scoring exploits in the PWR and Celtic Challenge, is known for her blistering pace and clinical finishing - making her a potent threat in a highly creative Scottish attack.

Last three Championship meetings:

2025: SCO 24-21 WAL

2024: WAL 18-20 SCO

2023: SCO 22-34 WAL

Scotland out to build a streak?

The past two fixtures have seen Scotland edge to victory by a combined total of just five points, changing the complexion of each of Wales' campaigns. It is a never-say-die attitude that has seen them steadily climb the world rankings (at seventh in the world, they are four places above Wales).

However, Wales will be out to show they have broadened their attacking game beyond their traditional set-piece approach. Performances in late 2025 suggested a team finding its identity under pressure, and with the Cardiff crowd behind them - and another year under head coach Sean Lynn - Wales are capable of halting the Scottish charge.

Lynn’s side will be looking to build on the foundations laid by their professional contracts, aiming to bridge the gap and prove that the Principality Stadium is a fortress for the women’s game.

Wales v Scotland: FAQs

When is Wales vs Scotland in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations? Saturday 11th April.

Where will Wales vs Scotland be played? At the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.

What time does Wales vs Scotland kick off? 16:40 BST.

Is Wales vs Scotland part of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations? Yes. This is the third fixture of the opening day of the 2026 Championship, rounding off a triple-header of elite international rugby.

Which round of the 2026 Six Nations is Wales vs Scotland? Round one - the opening weekend of the tournament.

How have Wales and Scotland performed recently? Scotland enter the tournament off the back of a strong 2025, having solidified their place in the top tier of WXV. Wales arrive in Cardiff with a point to prove, fuelled by the integration of standout performers from the Celtic Challenge and a desire to avenge last year's narrow defeat.

Who are the players to watch in Wales vs Scotland? Wales will look to the explosive carrying of Sisilia Tuipulotu and the flair of back row power of Branwen Metcalfe. For Scotland, veteran fly-half Helen Nelson will pull the strings, while fledgling wing Lucia Scott is tipped to make an immediate impact out wide.

Where can I watch Wales vs Scotland live on TV or stream? In the UK, the match will be broadcast on the BBC and S4C. For viewers outside the UK, please consult our 'How to Watch' guide for international listings.

Where can I find the latest Wales vs Scotland team news? Official team announcements will be shared on the Six Nations Rugby website, our WhatsApp channel, and across all official social media platforms as we approach match day.