Dee prepares for unique encounter
Elliot Dee, the Dragons forward, is set to play against his home nation, Wales, as part of the Barbarians squad this Saturday. The hooker will feature in the starting line-up for the uncapped match at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. This fixture marks a new experience for Dee, who has previously participated in Welsh club derbies but has not faced so many close teammates representing Wales.
Dee described the upcoming match as a special day, anticipating the presence of his family, including his fiancée and two sons. He also reflected on the emotional prospect of the anthem playing, stating he would sing but was unsure of the feelings it would evoke. Dee and fellow Welsh international George North, who will make his final professional appearance from the replacements bench, are rooming together in London ahead of the game.
Ambitions for international return
While George North is concluding his professional rugby career this weekend, Elliot Dee, at 32, continues to harbour ambitions of regaining his place in the Wales squad. Dee has earned 55 caps for Wales, participated in two World Cups, and was part of the 2019 Grand Slam-winning side. His most recent appearance for Wales was in March 2025 during a Six Nations home defeat by England.
Dee missed more than half of the 2025-26 season due to injury, returning for the final three months of the campaign. He was not included in Steve Tandy’s summer squad, which features Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher, and Evan Lloyd as the named hookers. This weekend’s match presents an opportunity for Dee to demonstrate his capabilities to Tandy.
Dee expressed his enduring passion for playing for Wales and international rugby, noting that nothing can replicate that excitement. He acknowledged not having played as much as he desired in the past year but affirmed that the ambition to represent his country is still very much present. He stated his pride in playing for Wales.
Barbarians experience and team dynamics
Dee’s omission from the Wales squad allowed him to accept a late invitation to join the Barbarians. He was part of the squad that recently played against South Africa in Cape Town, a match which the Barbarians lost 80-31. Dee described receiving the call-up as an unbelievable and surreal moment, accepting without hesitation despite being less than a month into his off-season.
He has maintained his fitness during his time off, acknowledging that he is not the most naturally gifted athlete and needs to keep his body active. Dee has embraced the new experience with the Barbarians, finding it to be one of the most enjoyable periods he has had on the field. He believes that the game needs the type of environment the Barbarians provide, which he feels can sometimes be too serious with constant pressure and high stakes.
The fluid nature of the Barbarians squad was highlighted by the recent arrival of South Africa’s double World Cup-winning scrum-half Faf de Klerk. De Klerk, who played against the Barbarians for the Springboks just seven days prior, will captain the invitational side against Wales. Dee noted de Klerk’s energy and leadership, expecting him to bring excitement to the game.
Scott Robertson, the Barbarians head coach, has selected a strong squad for the encounter, featuring 19 Test-capped players from 11 different nations. The starting XV includes Tom Spring at full-back, Andrew Kellaway and Virimi Vakatawa on the wings, and Jeremy Ward and Alex Nankivell in the centres. Harry Plummer partners de Klerk in the halves. The forward pack features Nathan Hughes, Lachlan Boshier, and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the back-row, with Romain Taofifénua and Izack Rodda forming the lock pairing. Vincent Koch, Elliot Dee, and Giorgi Kharaishvili complete the front row. The bench includes a 6:2 split, with George North among the replacements for his final professional appearance.
Robertson commented on de Klerk’s leadership, describing him as a fierce competitor who understands how to manage a week while also embodying the Barbarian spirit. He expressed anticipation for the double-header event at Twickenham, which also features a women’s match. Robertson stated that the team has been chosen to challenge Wales, aiming for an entertaining performance for the crowd. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Allianz Stadium.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”