Jim Hamilton believes Wales made a ‘crazy’ decision last week and hopes they learn from their mistakes
Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton admits he was shocked by Wales’ decision to close the roof for their Six Nations clash with France, branding it “crazy” after the recent rule change handed the WRU full control.
Under new regulations introduced in January 2025, Wales will play all their international fixtures at the Principality Stadium with the roof closed for two years. Previously, Six Nations rules required both teams to agree before the retractable roof could be shut.
The Welsh Rugby Union said the move would guarantee consistent conditions and maximise atmosphere inside the stadium.
But speaking on BBC’s Scrum V, Hamilton questioned the logic of shutting out the elements against a France side widely regarded as one of the most skilful in world rugby.
“I didn’t want to be too harsh on Wales, but if you know what’s coming from the French players and the quality they’ve got — they are just incredible,” he said.
“So I was just like, ‘Why is the roof closed?!’
“When [Scotland] came to Wales, we wanted the roof open. It’s a leveller. It’s a 50/50 game.
“When I seen the roof was closed, I was like, ‘This could be 60 or 70 points’.”
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Hamilton insisted his comments were not a slight on the Welsh players, but rather an acknowledgement of the gulf in resources and depth between the two nations.
“That’s no disrespect to Wales,” he added. “When they step out on the pitch, you’ve got the Top 14 which is booming, thriving, athletes are getting paid hundreds of thousands of euros.
“On the flip side, you’ve got Welsh lads going into that game who don’t know if they’ve got contracts next year. Plus the stadium is not full.
“But I thought they conducted themselves in a way in which I would be proud of. Their set-piece, they were physical, disciplined. They looked like a team on the right path — but it was an impossible task.”
Hamilton doubled down on his stance earlier this week when previewing Wales’ upcoming clash with Scotland, again referencing the roof decision and how conditions can influence games at the highest level.
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“With the roof closed — which I think is a crazy decision for Wales as the weather is a leveller, as we’ve seen — and you look at Scotland’s skillset and the way they can get into the wide channels, then you can see a tough day at the office for Wales,” he said.
He argued that dry, controlled conditions suit sides like France, and Scotland, who thrive on width, tempo and precision kicking.
“Finn Russell is the best in the world, he might be the best we’ve ever seen when it comes to that selection of kicking into the wide channels,” Hamilton said. “That’s where Wales have holes.
“Unless it’s a wet day and the roof doesn’t close, I want to see Scotland kick on.”
Asked what his message would be if he were in charge of Wales, Hamilton replied: “If I was Steve Tandy, I’m not closing the roof. I’m saying keep it open, please.
“I suppose it would be to not give Scotland any ball, however you do that. Scotland’s back line is freakishly good.
“In order to get into the game, they’re going to have to take risks. They’re going to have to be brave.”
The WRU’s decision to take unilateral control of the roof was designed to create consistency and atmosphere, with stadium officials previously describing it as one of Welsh rugby’s “greatest assets”.
But Hamilton’s comments have reignited debate over whether home advantage in Cardiff is better served by amplifying noise inside a closed stadium or by embracing unpredictable Welsh weather as a potential tactical weapon.
Jim Hamilton is part of the Premier Sports team bringing live Guinness Men’s Six Nations Rugby to rugby fans across the UK – broadcasting one live match per round throughout the 2026 Championship, as the home of elite rugby which includes EPCR rugby, Top 14, URC, MRL from the USA and Japan League One.
This Saturday join Jim Hamilton, Ryan Wilson, Tom Shanklin, Rory Lawson and Ryle Nugent pitch side at the Principality Stadium for Wales v Scotland on Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports Rugby from 4pm. To join in visit www.premiersports.com from £11.99 a month.
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