Six Nations: Wales hooker Elliot Dee replaces injured Ryan Elias for France test

Wales have been forced into a late change for Sunday’s Six Nations match against France with hooker Ryan Elias ruled out with a hamstring problem and Elliot Dee starting.

Dragons hooker Dee, 30, led Wales out in Cardiff as he prepared to win his 50th cap.

Uncapped Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd is promoted to the replacements bench.

Elias started the opening defeat against Scotland before Dee was given the number two jersey in the losses against England and Ireland.

Scarlets hooker Elias had initially been recalled to start against France before his injury issue.

“During the captain’s run his hamstring felt a bit tight, he went and saw the physios and they said it was too much of a risk,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“He’s had that type of injury before and we decided to make the change with Elliott Dee starting and Evan Lloyd coming onto the bench.”

With Dewi Lake also injured, recently converted hooker Lloyd was a surprise inclusion in the Six Nations squad having never made a professional start in his new position.

Lloyd, 22, was preferred to the more established options of Sam Parry, Bradley Roberts and Liam Belcher.

He represented Wales Under-20s as a number eight before making the switch when he was in the Cardiff academy.

Lloyd was part of the Cardiff RFC semi-professional side before making his senior debut against Bulls in the United Rugby Championship in November 2023.

He has made six replacement appearances for Cardiff but has not played since 26 December.

Lloyd could join Cardiff team-mates Cameron Winnett, Alex Mann and Mackenzie Martin in winning his first Wales cap in this Six Nations campaign.

Wales are bottom of the table having lost three games so far in the tournament.