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There are a couple of big surprises in this Wales Six Nations squad
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has recalled experienced tighthead Tomas Francis from his French exile and included uncapped Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb in his Six Nations squad.
Francis last played for Wales at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has been unavailable since joining French PRO D2 outfit Provence but has been recalled after signing for Sale Sharks. There are two uncapped players in the squad, with former Cardiff wing Hamer-Webb and Bath centre Louie Hennessey named.
Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake has been selected as captain in the absence of the injured Jac Morgan.
There are a number of key players who have been recalled in outside-half Sam Costelow, Scarlets captain Josh Macleod, Cardiff backrower James Botham, Mason Grady and Ryan Elias.
Scarlets pair Ellis Mee and Eddie James, along with Ospreys centre Owen Watkin, have also been included in the squad.
Notable absentees are openside flanker Tommy Reffell, Dragons wing Rio Dyer, Cardiff playmaker Callum Sheedy, Scarlets lock Jake Ball, Ospreys backrower Ross Moriarty and Saracens centre Nick Tompkins.
There are 14 players in total from Cardiff and the Ospreys in the wake of the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to elect Y11 Sports & Media as its preferred bidder for Cardiff.
“There are a few changes to the squad from the autumn, some due to injury but others are a sign of the competition there is and how many players we have in the mix which is a real positive,” said Tandy.
“I think we have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can’t wait for us to assemble next week.“I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group.””Dewi is great man and so passionate about Wales which I think everyone can see. I thought he was outstanding in the way he led during the autumn, not only in the three games he was captain but also how he supported Jac prior to that.
“I know he will continue to do an amazing job in the role this Guinness Six Nations.”
Wales begin the Six Nations with a daunting trip to London to face high-flying England and will want to avoid a third Wooden Spoon in succession.
Wales Six Nations squad
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, James Botham, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Olly Cracknell, Harri Deaves, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron WainwrightBacks: Josh Adams, Sam Costelow, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady, Kieran Hardy, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Owen Watkin, Tomos Williams
