Wales enter the weekend desperate to reclaim their fortress in Cardiff and arrest a challenging run of form. Standing in their way is a high-flying Scotland side, fresh from a historic Calcutta Cup triumph and hunting their fourth consecutive victory over the Welsh.
The subplots are as compelling as the rugby itself. New Wales head coach Steve Tandy faces his former charges, having recently traded his role as Scotland’s defensive mastermind for the top job in Cardiff. Beyond the table points, the teams compete for the Doddie Weir Cup, a poignant tribute to the late rugby legend and a reminder of the sport's power to inspire. With world-class talents like Finn Russell and Louis Rees-Zammit set to ignite the turf, expect a tactical chess match played at breakneck speed.
🗓️ Date: Saturday 21 February 2026
🕟 Kick-off: 16:40 GMT
🏟️ Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
🎟️ Tickets: Available via WRU
📺 How to watch: Live on BBC - more TV info here.
👥 Team News
Wales: 15. Louis Rees-Zammit; 14. Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 13. Eddie James, 12. Joe Hawkins, 11. Josh Adams; 10. Sam Costelow, 9. Tomos Williams; 1. Rhys Carre, 2. Dewi Lake (c), 3. Tomas Francis; 4. Dafydd Jenkins, 5. Ben Carter; 6. Taine Plumtree, 7. Alex Mann, 8. Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: 16. Ryan Elias, 17. Nicky Smith, 18. Archie Griffin, 19. Freddie Thomas, 20. James Botham, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Jarrod Evans, 23. Blair Murray
Scotland: 15. Blair Kinghorn; 14. Kyle Steyn, 13. Huw Jones, 12. Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11. Duhan van der Merwe; 10. Finn Russell, 9. Ben White; 1. Nathan McBeth, 2. Dave Cherry, 3. Zander Fagerson; 4. Max Williamson, 5. Scott Cummings; 6. Gregor Brown, 7. Rory Darge, 8. Matt Fagerson
Replacements: 16. George Turner, 17. Pierre Schoeman, 18. Elliot Millar Mills, 19. Grant Gilchrist, 20. Josh Bayliss, 21. George Horne, 22. Tom Jordan, 23. Darcy Graham
🔮 Predictions
Oval Insights are predicting Scotland to win by 16, giving the visitors an 85% chance of victory, and just 12% for Wales (draw: 3%).
Match Overview
The third round of the 2026 Six Nations sees Wales host Scotland in what promises to be a fiercely contested Celtic clash. With both sides boasting exciting young talent and a hunger to climb the table, this fixture could be pivotal in making or breaking either side's Championship aspirations.
Wales, under new management, are seeking to reignite their home form after a disastrous losing streak that ended over the summer out in Japan. Intriguingly, the man in charge of doing that is Steve Tandy, who left his role as Scotland's defence coach to take up the reins in Cardiff. Scotland, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after winning their last three matches against the Welsh.
Expect fireworks in Cardiff as two proud rugby nations battle for the Doddie Weir Cup (more on which below) and crucial Six Nations points.
🏆 The Doddie Weir Cup
The Doddie Weir Cup is a trophy contested between Scotland and Wales in honour of the late Scottish and Lions rugby legend Doddie Weir, who passed away in 2022 after his courageous battle with motor neurone disease. First introduced in autumn 2018, the cup celebrates Weir’s immense contribution to the sport and his tireless fundraising through the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The Doddie Weir Cup adds emotional resonance to an already fierce rivalry. A symbol of sporting pride, without doubt, but also a tribute to Weir’s legacy: both on the pitch, where he earned 61 caps for Scotland, and off it, where he became a beacon of hope and humour in adversity.
Player to watch
Wales fullback Louis Rees-Zammit leads the Six Nations this year in metres made (238) and defenders beaten (ten), so it's surely only a matter of time before that translates to tries. His teammate in the back row, Aaron Wainwright, is at the forefront when it comes to dominant contact (level with England's Tommy Freeman on nine).
Rory Darge is a huge nuisance to opponents from the Scottish back row, and currently leads the Championship in turnovers won (six). Winger Kyle Steyn, Guinness Player of the Match against England, also jointly leads the tournament in defenders beaten (ten).
🗺️ Heading to the match?
Here's our handy guide to navigating Cardiff on Test weekend - from hotels to bars and all the sights in between.
FAQs
When is Wales vs Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations?
On Saturday 21st February.
Where will Wales vs Scotland be played in the 2026 Six Nations?
At Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
What time does Wales vs Scotland kick off?
16:40 GMT.
Is Wales vs Scotland part of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations?
Yes. The teams are two of the founding nations of the tournament.
Which round of the 2026 Six Nations is Wales vs Scotland?
Round three of the Championship.
How have Wales and Scotland performed in recent Six Nations matches?
Wales are suffering an unprecedented slump in results, but have historically been one of the most successful teams in the Six Nations. Scotland are yet to get their hands on a Six Nations title, but have given themselves a chance after a rousing win against England last weekend.
Who are the players to watch in Wales vs Scotland?
Despite their travails, Wales boast some elite players, such as wing-cum-fullback Louis Rees-Zammit and young tyros like second row Dafydd Jenkins. Scotland were buoyed by the inclusion of 12 players in last summer's British & Irish Lions tour, reflecting their performances for their country. Centre partners Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones - alias 'Huwipulotu' - are the fulcrum of their team's attack.
Where can I watch Wales vs Scotland live on TV or stream?
In the UK, the match will be shown on BBC and S4C. If you're watching from outside the UK, we have a helpful 'Where to watch' guide.
Where can I find the latest Wales vs Scotland team news?
We'll be updating fans with the latest team news on the Six Nations Rugby website, WhatsApp channel, and social media platforms (including Instagram).