Wales’ Hawkins ready to mix it with Scottish Lions

When Joe Hawkins agreed to return to Wales last summer it was for moments like this coming Saturday, when he could lock horns with a trio of Scottish Lions at Principality Stadium.

The 23-year-old Scarlets centre won his eighth cap in Sunday’s defeat by France in Cardiff.

It was Hawkins’ first Six Nations appearance since the 2023 win against Italy in Rome, the last time Wales enjoyed a victory in the championship.

The centre moved from Ospreys to Exeter at the end of that season and fell victim of the Welsh Rugby Union’s cap selection policy.

“A big part in me coming back to Wales was to try and be part of the Welsh squad and to play in competitions like this,” said Hawkins, who missed the 2023 World Cup after his move to the Chiefs.

Hawkins returned to Wales with Scarlets last year and started against New Zealand and South Africa in the autumn.

After being preferred to Cardiff’s Ben Thomas against France last weekend, he lined up in between fly-half Dan Edwards and outside centre Eddie James for the first time at international level.

The trio, who have a total of 23 caps, could now face a well-oiled Scotland trio of Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.

They toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions last summer – joining forces in the XV in the first Test – and have a combined tally of 186 international outings for Scotland.

France caused Wales all manner of problems with ball in hand and another tough defensive examination is coming.

“They’ve got quite a settled centre partnership, so whoever gets the chance this is a good test,” said Hawkins.

The Glasgow combination could be going up against a Scarlets duo if Hawkins and James hold off the challenge of Thomas and fit-again Ospreys centre Owen Watkin.

James, 23 and 6ft 3ins, showed signs of promise with ball in hand against Les Bleus.

“He had an injury during the off season and since he has come back for the Scarlets he has been really physical in the carry and in defence,” said Hawkins, who also partnered James for Wales Under-20s.

“He has brought that into the Six Nations and he is a big man. When you’ve got people like that in the team you just want to get them on the ball as much as possible.”

After shipping 15 tries and 102 points in the first two rounds, Wales clearly have work to do in defence.

However, Hawkins’ playmaking abilities are key to them also posing more questions in attack.

“We talk a lot about being a team that can excite the nation,” said the centre, who featured at fly-half for Scarlets in the first half of the season.

“A lot of the best teams in the world believe in their style of game and wouldn’t change. France double down on that and they are one of the best in the world.