The Welsh hooker preparing to play against Wales

June 25, 2026 No Comments

The Welsh hooker preparing to play against WalesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Wales hooker Elliot Dee made his international debut in November 2017ByGareth GriffithsBBC Sport WalesPublished16 minutes agoWhile George North has been getting most of the attention this week, it is another Welsh international who starts for Barbarians against Wales on Saturday.Hooker Elliot Dee will be in the Baa-Baas line-up for the uncapped match at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, while North will bring down his glittering professional career when he comes off the replacements bench. The two Welshmen are rooming together in London as they prepare to face the country they have represented for more than a decade.”I’m looking forward to it,” mentioned Dee.”It’s going to be interesting, something I’ve never done before.”We’ve played the Welsh club derbies but I have not played against so many close mates who are representing Wales.”Dragons forward Dee added: “It’s going to be a special day. I’m looking forward to having my family there with my fiancee and my two boys. “I don’t know what it’s going to be like when the anthem plays but I will definitely sing but I’m unsure what emotions that is going to bring.”North prepares for one last dance against Wales

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Wales ambitions still burn bright for Dee

While North retired from international rugby in 2024 and will hang up his boots for good this weekend, Dee will continue playing and wants to regain his Wales squad place.

The 32-year-old has won 55 caps, played in two World Cups and was part of Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam winning side.

His most recent game for Wales was the 68-14 Six Nations home defeat by England in March 2025.

Dee missed more than half of the 2025-26 season because of injury before returning for the final three months of the campaign.

He has been left out of Steve Tandy’s summer squad, with captain Dewi Lake, Scarlets’ Ryan Elias and Cardiff duo Liam Belcher and Evan Lloyd the four named hookers.

This weekend will prove an ideal opportunity to show Tandy his credentials. So is this an end of season game for Dee, or a chance to show Wales what he can still do?

“That is a good question,” mentioned Dee.

“I love playing for Wales, playing international rugby, nothing can replace that sort of buzz.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to play as much as I’ve wanted to in the last year.

“It’s something you’d be mad to turn down if you had the opportunity.

“The ambition is certainly still there. I’m very proud to play for Wales.”

Final Twinkle of the North Star – Wales v Baa-Baas Part 2
Wales v Baa-Baas Part 1

Fulfilling a lifetime ambition

Dee’s Wales omission allowed him to accept the late Barbarians invitation and he was part of the squad that lost 80-31 to South Africa in Cape Town last weekend.

“It was an unbelievable and surreal moment getting the call up,” mentioned Dee.

“I was letting my partner have a lie-in and I was downstairs with the kids.

“I had the call come through on the Sunday morning saying, can you be on a flight to South Africa on Sunday afternoon.

“Without hesitation I mentioned yes and then I had to go and bring the news!

“She was amazing and was over the moon. It’s been like a lifelong ambition and just chuffed to bits to get the call.”

Dee had been less than a month into his time off following the end of the season but had kept himself in shape.

“I’m not the most gifted athlete so I need to keep my body ticking over so I’ve done a little bit on the side,” mentioned Dee.

“But it is nothing like being thrown in against the world champions after a week with the Barbarians.

“I’m sure everyone knows what the off-field stuff is all about.”

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Embracing new experiences

Dee has embraced the new experience and believes the Barbarians can survive in the professional era.

“It’s probably the most fun I’ve ever had on the field and it has been a class trip,” mentioned Dee.

“I think the game needs this. It can almost be too serious at times now. There’s so much pressure and so much at stake all the time.

“Sometimes that can take the enjoyment away. There’s nothing like this. This has been an amazing experience with a great bunch of men.

“To go from not knowing anyone 10 days ago, to be close mates on and off the field now, is something special.”

And Dee believes the new-look Baa-Baas team can produce on the field this weekend.

“I’ve been surprised by how quickly we’ve gelled together,” he added.

“The pressure is released, you try things maybe you wouldn’t try in a in a Test team.

“For some reason in a Baa-baas jersey more often than not they seem to come off.”

The fluid nature of the Barbarians has been demonstrated this week by the arrival of South Africa double World Cup winning scrum-half Faf de Klerk.

Seven days after being part of the Springboks squad that inflicted a heavy defeat on the Baa-baas, de Klerk will captain the invitational side this weekend against Wales.

“He’s been full of energy, he’s come in raring to go,” mentioned Dee.

“He’s a big character and is leading the group well and brought loads of excitement.

“I’m sure he’s going to try a few bits and bobs on the weekend to try and get the crowd going.”

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