Wales have endured some mixed news on the injury front after Warren Gatland named his squad for the Six Nations Championship.
Josh Adams, Taulupe Faletau, Elliot Dee Dafydd Jenkins and Liam Williams were among those to miss out on the Autumn Nations Series, but they have been named in the 34.
But unfortunately, captain Dewi Lake will likely miss the entirety of the championship through injury and, as a result, back-rower Jac Morgan takes on the leadership responsibility.
Surprise return
Lake’s absence has also opened the door for Sam Parry, despite the Ospreys front-rower walking out ahead of Wales’ tour to Australia last year.
That revelation came amidst reports that Parry felt “disrespected” by Gatland after he learned that he was only part of the squad last June “to help the team prepare for the tour”.
However, they have evidently put aside their differences and the 33-year-old will compete with Dee and Evan Lloyd for a spot in the 23 for the France opener.
“We’ve selected a squad that we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience,” Gatland said.
“This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together this campaign. The Six Nations is a special competition full of passion and some great rivalries and we have a good challenge to start the Championship away in France.
“I’m excited for our campaign to kick off next week and we’re looking to hit the ground running when the squad convenes. Every single training session is incredibly important in terms of our preparation for that first game and I’ll be looking to see a lot of hard work and everyone working together.
“As ever there are going to be some very disappointed players who have missed out on selection. The message to them is keep working hard because you never know what may happen.”
Wales great hits out at Warren Gatland as forward walks out after head coach’s alleged ‘disrespect’
Alongside Lake’s absence, fly-halves Gareth Anscombe and Sam Costelow are also missing from the squad through injury.
As a result, in-form Ospreys playmaker Dan Edwards has been selected in the 34-man group. He is one of just two uncapped players named, with Scarlets’ young flyer Ellis Mee the other to be called up.
Mason Grady is another to be left out after sustaining an ankle issue, while experienced lock Adam Beard has been sidelined since November.
However, Ryan Elias, Max Llewellyn, Taine Plumtree, Rio Dyer and Cam Winnett have all been dropped.
Wales’ 2025 Six Nations squad
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, WillGriff John, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan, 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
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The post Wales: Warren Gatland recalls ‘disrespected’ Sam Parry for Six Nations : Planet Rugby first appeared on Rugby 247.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-01-13 15:33:21
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