"This is a good test"- Joe Hawkins on Six Nations return and focuses on Scotland's centre pairing

Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 22:00

byHarry Tovey

Come Saturday afternoon at Principality Stadium, Wales will be aiming to record a first Six Nations win since March 2023, but for centre Joe Hawkins, he’s got his sights set on Scotland’s British and Irish Lions centre partnership.

Scarlets’ Hawkins made his Six Nations return in Wales’ 54-12 defeat against France, and is in line to face Scotland in the third round of the championship alongside Eddie James.

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If that is what Steve Tandy opts for as his centres, they will more than likely line up against British and Irish Lions duo Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.

“Tuipulotu’s obviously a powerful ball carrier, but he’s got nice subtle skills as well,” said Hawkins, who was sporting a shiner following the clash against ‘Les Bleus’.

“Then Huw Jones has got a bit of gas and some nice running lines, so they complement each other well.

“They’re quite a settled centre partnership, so whoever gets the chance (to play Scotland), this is a good test.

“I’m sure whoever plays will be looking forward to testing themselves against a Lions partnership and be right up for it.”

On his own centre partnership alongside Scarlets teammate James, Hawkins added: “I’ve played with him a lot this season, whether I’ve been 10, he’s been 12, or we’ve played a bit in the centres together.

“That’s been a nice combination to build on. I’ve played U20s with him and stuff, so I know him well.”

Hawkins has only recently returned to the international stage, making his first appearance against New Zealand during the autumn internationals. However, prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the 23-year-old put his international honours to one side as he joined now Gallagher Prem outfit Exeter Chiefs.

Despite Welsh rugby’s 25-cap rule, Hawkins was ineligible to play during the tournament. It was announced almost 12 months ago that he would return to Wales to play, having joined the Parc y Scarlets side from the Chiefs.

He’s a product of the Ospreys pathway, with his first taste of international rugby coming at 17 years old for Wales U20s, and prior to last Sunday’s game, his last Six Nations appearance was Wales’ last triumph in the competition.

Asked whether he missed international rugby, Hawkins added: “Yeah, a lot. Loads to be fair.

“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.

“As I said, I don’t think there is a better international competition than the Six Nations. It’s been amazing being back involved, just sort of feeling that matchday buzz.

“Don’t get me wrong, it was always a bit tough watching Wales during the international windows while I was down in Exeter. But, I just think the playing experience and life experience that I had from moving down there has put me in good stead coming back.

“I’m still only 23, touchwood got a good few years ahead of me, and I think that experience from down there will put me in good stead for the rest of my career.”

Wales, who have not tasted a Six Nations win in almost 36 months, will face Gregor Townsend’s side following their Calcutta Cup win against England in Edinburgh. Hawkins understands that Wales will need to be better, particularly in defence, as further tests with Ireland and Italy follow in a couple of weeks.

It’s almost certain that following the two demoralising outings against England and France, Wales are likely to claim their third consecutive wooden spoon. Hawkins has endured a tough return to international rugby, having been part of four brutal defeats.

But it’s yet another daunting clash coming up, as Scotland are genuine title contenders after they responded accordingly to the disappointment of losing in Rome seven days earlier.

On facing Scotland and the challenges of having no fallow week, Hawkins added: “It’s just nice, for the boys that get a chance to go again.

“It’s a bit different this year, isn’t it, with the Six Nations without a fallow week now. But I think it’s a good thing for us, probably.

“It’s nice to be able to get stuck into another game week, another chance to try and get better and put a performance on the pitch.

“You get used to it (quick turnarounds), especially this time of the season. You’re usually battle-hardened by now, so now it’s nice to be straight back into it.