Warren Gatland has announced his squad for this year’s Six Nations tournament, naming one uncapped player in an otherwise experienced side.
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Under the terms of the agreement with the four regions, Gatland is able to select two wild-cards in his squad, players based outside Wales who turned down the offer of a regional contract.
Gatland’s “larger than usual” gathering also included Cardiff Blues pair Tom James and Josh Turnbull who have not played for their country since 2010 and 2014 respectively.
“Aled (Davies) is someone who has been on the radar the last couple of years and his selection is reward for his form”.
Leigh Halfpennt and Scott Williams as expected are not included because of injuries while scrum-half Rhys Webb is also an absentee. “Those players aren’t too far away from getting back on the field, so we are happy with the mix”, the New Zealander added.
Gethin Jenkins, Paul James and Rob Evans, line up alongside Samson Lee, Tomas Francis and Aaron Jarvis in the front row. Hookers: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets).
“So we want to assess how he goes and there’s potential he could be called back later in the Six Nations”.
“We are under a lot of pressure, obviously, from English and French clubs in terms of the salaries that have been offered to players, and that’s something we are going to have to deal with going forward”.
Back row: Josh Turnbull (Cardiff Blues), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues).
Gatland’s side open their campaign against defending champions Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on February 7 before hosting Scotland six days later.
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Scrumhalf Mike Phillips announced his retirement from Test rugby after the tournament, with newcomer Davies joining fellow number nines Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams.
