CARDIFF, Wales — Uncapped flyhalf Dan Edwards has been named as the sole specialist for Wales’ Six Nations squad announced on Monday.
Joining him as a newcomer is Scarlets winger Ellis Mee in the 34-player roster that will be led by flanker Jac Morgan, who takes over the captaincy role from the injured Dewi Lake.
Notably, experienced Gloucester flyhalf Gareth Anscombe as well as Scarlets’ Sam Costelow, who suffered a collarbone injury against Gloucester last Friday, were left out. Costelow is set to undergo surgery, sidelining him for approximately 12 weeks, thus ruling him out of the Six Nations.
With the absence of these players, Edwards stands alongside seven-cap Ben Thomas from Cardiff as the primary flyhalf options available to the team.
“Edwards was someone we were keen to include in the autumn but injuries held him back,” commented coach Warren Gatland. “His growth and performance have impressed us, making him look increasingly like a quality flyhalf.
“This position has been a point of focus for us as we look to boost our strength in depth, and now he has a chance to prove himself.”
As for Anscombe, Gatland highlighted his extensive experience but expressed concerns about his future availability considering his age, noting that he will be 36 by the next World Cup.
Injuries to both Dewi Lake and fellow hooker Ryan Elias have paved the way for Ospreys hooker Sam Parry’s return. Parry had previously exited the Welsh squad last summer after feeling “disrespected” by Gatland’s strategies.
Making a comeback alongside him are Lions No. 8 Taulupe Faletau, who has been out since the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to injury, wing Josh Adams, and fullback Liam Williams. Other returning players include Sale prop WillGriff John and Scarlets center Joe Roberts, both of whom have two caps.
Backs Max Llewellyn, Cameron Winnett, Rio Dyer, and back-rower Taine Plumtree were not included in this selection after their involvement in the autumn tests. Furthermore, lock Adam Beard, prop Archie Griffin, and back Mason Grady are also unavailable due to injuries.
Llewellyn, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, started as a center in all three autumn tests. Gatland remarked on his selection miss and mentioned that Llewellyn needs more game time.
In a light-hearted response to Llewellyn’s exclusion, his club Gloucester posted a video of his seven tries scored in the English Premiership, cheekily labeling him as “the GallagherPrem’s top try scorer.”
Looking ahead to the Six Nations, Wales has endured a 12-match losing streak, with its last victory coming 15 months ago during the Rugby World Cup. Their campaign begins with a challenging match against France in Paris on January 31, followed by a game against Italy in Rome eight days later.
“There’s always some apprehension when we face France,” Gatland acknowledged. “In the last Six Nations, we were ahead until the 62-minute mark before they utilized their bench effectively.
“Facing France first can be a mixed blessing; they sometimes take their time to get into gear during the Six Nations. We hope to start off on the right foot.”
Gatland’s position remained secure following a review by the Welsh Rugby Union after the autumn series, with another evaluation planned post-Six Nations.
Additionally, changes to the coaching staff will be announced within the week.
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Wales Squad:
Forwards: Kemsley Mathias, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, WillGriff John, Keiron Assiratti, Elliot Dee, Evan Lloyd, Sam Parry, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Freddie Thomas, Teddy Williams, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Liam Williams, Tom Rogers, Blair Murray, Josh Adams, Josh Hathaway, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Joe Roberts, Ben Thomas, Dan Edwards, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan, Tomos Williams.
