The 25-year-old’s inclusion at 15 is one of the standout features of Steve Tandy’s first Six Nations team in charge, marking Rees-Zammit’s return to the championship for the first time since 2023 after his spell pursuing American football.
Although he burst onto the international scene as a wing, this will be the fourth time he has started at full-back for Wales, having previously filled the role during the 2022-23 season.
He wore 15 in the win over Argentina in 2022. But was in the same position when Wales lost to Georgia a week later.
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He was also at full-back when lost to France in Paris later in the season.
After beginning his comeback to rugby union at Bristol on the wing, he has since been shifted to the back by Bears director of rugby Pat Lam, with the position now his stated preference.
Rees-Zammit anchors a back three that also includes Ellis Mee, who has impressed for Scarlets, and the experienced Josh Adams, with Blair Murray and Tom Rogers missing out.
The selection underlines Wales’ intention to reshape their attacking threat from deep, using Rees-Zammit’s pace and counter-attacking instincts from full-back rather than the touchline.
"He has played full-back before so it's not something that was fundamentally new and he has played there for Bristol," said Tandy.
"He is threatening and if there is a kick that is too long then something can happen and I am excited by his aerial work also.
"As much as he is quick, he is a big man as well, so we are excited to see him there."
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Elsewhere, Scarlets pair Josh Macleod and Eddie James return after missing the autumn campaign through injury.
Macleod, 29, is set to make his Six Nations debut at openside flanker, stepping into the void left by the injured Jac Morgan alongside Alex Mann and Aaron Wainwright in the back row.
James continues his reintroduction to Test rugby in the centre, partnering Ben Thomas in midfield.
Tandy has spoken glowingly about Macleod’s perseverance on his road back to international rugby.
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“Josh has had some rough luck with injuries, but the way he's come back, the way he leads, his attention to detail around his week plan, the way he trains, the intensity he brings to everything he does is excellent. It’s going to be awesome to see him on the weekend.”
Captain Dewi Lake once again leads the side from hooker in Morgan’s absence, packing down with Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin in the front row.
Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard combine in the second row, while Tomos Williams and Dan Edwards steer the side at half-back.
The replacements bench is heavily weighted towards the forwards, with six front-five and back-row options named.
Tomas Francis is poised to make his first Test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, joined by Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree and Harri Deaves. Kieran Hardy and Mason Grady provide the backline cover.
Wales head into the championship under significant pressure, having lost 21 of their last 23 internationals, including a record 18-match losing run and heavy home defeats against England, Argentina and South Africa.
They have not won a Six Nations match since beating Italy in Rome in March 2023 and have finished bottom in each of the past two tournaments.
In contrast, England arrive in Cardiff’s old rivals’ territory having won 11 straight games and sitting third in the world rankings.
Despite the disparity in recent form, Tandy insists the occasion brings its own edge.
“Wales v England is always a special game with all the history behind the fixture.
“We know they're playing some outstanding rugby and they're in great form. But I know how much it means to our players playing for the nation and representing Wales.
“The way the squad trained this week has been great. I want to see us get out and really attack the game on Saturday and give the best account of ourselves.
“Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and it's something we can't wait to do.”
Wales team v England – Guinness Six Nations | Tîm Cymru v Lloegr – Pencampwriaeth Chwe Gwlad Guinness 2026
15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears | Bryste – 35 caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 4 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 4 caps)
12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 17 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 65 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 7 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 67 caps)
1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 58 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys | Gweilch – 26 caps) captain | capten
3. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby | Caerfaddon – 11 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 26 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 61 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 11 caps)
7. Josh Macleod (Scarlets – 4 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons | Dreigiau – 62 caps)
Replacements | Eilyddion
16. Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 4 caps)
17. Rhys Carre (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 23 caps)
18. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 77 caps)
19. Ben Carter (Dragons / Dreigiau – 14 caps)
20. Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 11 caps)
21. Harri Deaves (Ospreys | Gweilch – 1 cap)
22. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys | Gweilch – 28 caps)
23. Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 15 caps)
