Welsh hooker Elliot Dee will line up for the Barbarians against his home nation at Twickenham on Saturday. The uncapped clash sees former Wales winger George North named on the bench for the Barbarians while Dee rooms with him in London. Dee says the prospect of facing former club mates feels “special” and he will have his fiancee and two boys in the stands.

Dee earned 55 caps for Wales, featured in two World Cups and helped the 2019 Grand Slam side. His last appearance was the 68‑14 Six Nations loss to England in March 2025, and injury kept him out of most of the 2025‑26 campaign. Omitted from Steve Tandy’s summer squad, he views the Barbarians game as a chance to prove he belongs in the national set‑up.

Dee’s invitation came after the Barbarians fell 80‑31 to South Africa in Cape Town, a defeat he described as “unbelievable” and a lifelong dream fulfilled. He praises the invitational side’s free‑flowing style and captain Faf de Klerk’s energy, saying the environment lets players try things they wouldn’t in a test. The match offers Dee a final platform to showcase his passion for Welsh rugby.