"Nothing to fear"- Smith sets sights on daunting England Six Nations opener

Sunday, 01 February 2026 at 12:49

byHarry Tovey

Loose-head Nicky Smith says that Wales have “nothing to fear” as they set their sights on facing England at Twickenham.

It is a fixture they haven’t won in the Six Nations since 2021. But Steve Tandy’s Wales side head to the English capital, aiming to record their first Six Nations win since beating Italy in Rome in 2023.

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Tandy’s side comes into the contest after claiming back-to-back wooden spoons in the championship, but after showing signs of progress despite the results, Smith highlights the confidence of recording a positive result in the 2026 Six Nations.

he said.

“I can see enough quality to know that we have nothing to fear,” began the 31-year-old at the Vale Resort training base.

“If we put our best foot forward, then I am full of confidence that we can get a positive result.

“The boys across the bridge can see that as well.

“They are scratching their heads a bit because they see the players we have got.”

Smith will return to training in the Vale of Glamorgan on Monday, following his return to his Gallagher Prem side, Leicester, for the weekend, as did all of Wales’ English and French club-based players return to their respective clubs.

They will have only a small number of sessions together as they head to Twickenham, more than likely facing familiar opposition.

For Smith, this could be facing off against fellow Tigers teammate Joe Heyes. “Over the last 18 months, he has been one of the in-form tight-heads in the world,” he added on his club teammate.

“He has been unbelievable with his work for the Tigers and England.

"Around the park, he is an absolute nuisance at the ruck; he is good with the ball in hand and with his tackling and physicality.

“If I do have the opportunity to go up against him, then I know that I have to be at my absolute best to make it a competition and a good battle.”

Smith only played in two of Wales’ autumn internationals- against Argentina and Japan.

He missed both contests against New Zealand and South Africa, but the prop could be in line to start against England despite competing with Rhys Carre and Gareth Thomas.

They kick off against England on Saturday, then face France and Scotland in Cardiff, before heading to Dublin and concluding the championship against Italy.

“We want to hit the ground running in the Six Nations and get back to being in games.

“If moments don’t go your way, that’s rugby, but the big thing is being in those moments in as many games as possible.

“In the autumn, let’s not beat around the bush. The results weren’t good enough, but there were moments where the boys shone and showed what we can do.

"With a new coaching set-up and boys coming in, we were getting aligned, and we are certainly going in the right direction,”