Elliot Dee prepares to face Wales with Barbarians

Hooker Elliot Dee will start for the Barbarians against Wales this weekend at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. While George North has garnered significant attention this week, it is Dee, the Welsh international hooker, who is set to play in the uncapped match. North will conclude his illustrious professional career when he comes off the replacements’ bench. The two Welsh players are sharing accommodation in London as they prepare to face the country they both represented for over a decade.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Dee. "It's going to be interesting, something I've never done before. We've played the Welsh club derbies, but I have not faced so many close mates who are representing Wales."

Dee expressed enthusiasm about the occasion: "It's going to be a special day. I'm looking forward to having my family there with my fiancée and my two boys. I don't know what it's going to be like when the anthem plays, but I will definitely sing, though I'm unsure what emotions that is going to bring."

Having earned 55 caps and participated in two World Cups, Dee’s most recent match for Wales occurred during a 68-14 defeat to England in March 2025. He missed over half of the 2025-26 season due to injury, returning for the last three months of the campaign. Dee was not included in Steve Tandy's summer squad, which featured Dewi Lake, Ryan Elias, Liam Belcher, and Evan Lloyd as the four named hookers.

This match provides an ideal opportunity for Dee to showcase his skills and aim for a spot back with the national team. "I love playing for Wales, playing international rugby—nothing compares to that buzz," Dee remarked. "Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to play as much as I'd wanted to over the last year. If you had the opportunity, it would be madness to turn it down. The ambition is certainly still there. I'm very proud to play for Wales."

Dee’s recent absence from the Wales selection allowed him to accept a late invitation to join the Barbarians, where he played in a match last week against South Africa, resulting in an 80-31 loss. "It was an unbelievable and surreal moment getting the call-up," said Dee, recounting how he received the opportunity while letting his partner sleep in. "I was downstairs with the kids when the call came through on Sunday morning. I had to be on a flight to South Africa that afternoon. Without hesitation, I agreed and later had to share the news with my partner. She was amazing and over the moon. It felt like a lifelong ambition. I'm just chuffed to bits to get the call."

Embracing the new experience with the Barbarians, Dee believes the team can thrive in the professional era. "It's probably the most fun I've ever had on the field, and it has been a class trip," Dee said. "The game can be too serious at times, so there's immense pressure. Sometimes that can detract from the enjoyment. This experience has been magnificent with a great bunch of men. Going from not knowing anyone just ten days ago to being close mates now is something special.

The Barbarians have shown their fluidity during the week, evidenced by the arrival of Faf de Klerk, who will captain the team against Wales after recently being part of the South African squad that defeated them. "He brought a lot of energy and excitement," Dee added, optimistic about their upcoming performance."