Scotland came from behind to beat Wales 26-23 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 21 February 2026, a narrow win that kept Gregor Townsend’s side in Triple Crown contention during Round 3 of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship. Wales, hosting their second home match of the tournament, were denied a first Six Nations victory since 2023.
What is Wales vs Scotland in the Six Nations?
The fixture forms part of the annual Six Nations Championship, the Northern Hemisphere’s premier international rugby union tournament. Contested each year by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales over five rounds in February and March, the competition is the oldest international rugby tournament in the world. Wales and Scotland compete annually for the Doddie Weir Cup, a trophy instituted in 2022 in memory of the former Scotland second row who died from motor neurone disease.
When did it take place?
The match kicked off at 16:45 GMT on Saturday 21 February 2026 in Round 3 of the championship. It was the only fixture of the round played on Saturday evening and took place a week after Wales’s record 54-12 defeat to France in Round 2.
Where was it held?
The fixture was played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, a 73,931-capacity stadium with a retractable roof that has been Wales’s national rugby home since 1999. The venue remains one of the most atmospheric settings in world rugby.
Results
Wales 23-26 Scotland. Wales led 17-5 at half-time after tries from Ellis Bevan (listed variously as Carre in some reports) and Josh Adams, with Sam Costelow’s boot keeping the scoreboard ticking. Scotland, however, produced a second-half masterclass, crossing the line through Duhan van der Merwe (Steyn in some reports), Finn Russell, Darcy Graham and George Turner to haul themselves back into the contest and edge in front. A Wales penalty attempt with minutes remaining fell short, and the visitors held on for a three-point victory.
Background and form going in
Scotland had arrived in Cardiff buoyed by a statement 31-20 victory over England at Murrayfield in Round 2, a result that put Gregor Townsend’s side firmly in the title conversation. Wales, by contrast, were in freefall. Beaten 48-7 by England at Twickenham in Round 1 and then 54-12 by France in Cardiff a week earlier, Matt Sherratt’s side were still searching for their first Six Nations win since the 2023 edition of the tournament.
History and Records
Wales and Scotland first met in 1883 in the very first Home Nations international season. Wales finished the 2026 Six Nations with the Wooden Spoon for a third successive year, though they did record their first championship win since 2023 in their Round 5 home match against Italy. Scotland ultimately finished third in the tournament on 16 points after their famous victory over France in Round 4, before losing 43-21 to Ireland on the final weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Wales vs Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations?
Scotland won 26-23 at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 21 February 2026.
When was the match played?
Saturday 21 February 2026 in Round 3 of the championship.
Where was the match held?
At the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Who lifted the Doddie Weir Cup?
Scotland, who retained the trophy contested annually between the two nations.