Flanker Jac Morgan will lead Wales in this year’s Six Nations as several experienced players return from injury with coach Warren Gatland desperate to end a 12-game losing run that has put his future at the helm in doubt.
Wing Josh Adams, hooker Elliot Dee, No 8 Taulupe Faletau, lock Dafydd Jenkins, centre Joe Roberts and fullback Liam Williams are all back in the squad after injury, though Gatland has opted to leave out experienced flyhalf Gareth Anscombe.
With Sam Costelow injured, Ospreys flyhalf Dan Edwards is one of two uncapped players selected, along with Scarlets wing Ellis Mee. Ben Thomas, who plays predominantly as a centre, is the other number 10 option.
🚨 𝘾𝙔𝙃𝙊𝙀𝘿𝘿𝙄𝘼𝘿 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙁𝘼𝙉 🏴
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 13, 2025
Here is your 3️⃣4️⃣-man squad for our 2025 @SixNationsRugby campaign 💪⤵️#WelshRugby | #GuinnessM6N
"We’ve spoken about 10 being the position to develop some depth, looking short term and long term. Getting some experience in the position," Gatland told reporters.
"He’s (Anscombe) 33 now and he'll be 36 by the next World Cup. Will he be around? We need to develop some depth.
"We’ve been impressed with (Edwards). We were hoping to have him in the autumn. We’ve been impressed with how he’s played. He’s matured and looks a quality 10."
There were also recalls for tighthead prop WillGriff John and hooker Sam Parry, but young fullback Cameron Winnett, Taine Plumtree, Rio Dyer and Max Llewellyn miss out.
Wales begin their campaign in Paris against France on 31 January before a trip to Rome to face Italy.
"We know it’s about performances and results," Gatland said. "Those first two games are important for us. It’s about momentum.
"You get some good results and you know what can happen. We’re excited about this squad. Some experience to bolster the squad is good for us."
Asked if his job was on the line, Gatland did not try to sugar-coat his answer.
"Absolutely. There’s been a lot of discussion and debate about that. I’m pretty aware of that. We’ve got to go out and work hard," he said.
WALES SQUAD
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, WillGriff John, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan (captain), Sam Parry, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams
Backs: Josh Adams, Ellis Bevan, Dan Edwards, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Blair Murray, Joe Roberts, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Rhodri Williams, Tomos Williams