Warren Gatland has announced his 33 man squad for the Six Nations championship.
Kiwi Gareth Anscombe receives his first Welsh call up, mere months after joining up with Cardiff Blues. Gareth, the son of former Ulster head coach Mark, has played 9 games for the Blues since moving from the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
Eligible for Wales through his mother, Anscombe grew up playing at outhalf, but made his breakthrough playing at fullback for the Chiefs after a disastrous season for the Auckland Blues at outhalf.
He's back playing at outhalf since his move North, and that is where he is expected to play for Wales.
There's no space for Lion Adam Jones, or in form Josh Navidi, while U20 starlet Tyler Morgan, who was named in the Welsh U20 squad is also included. Jones has been overlooked for his understudy Scott Andrews, which signals the end of his international career.
Morgan and Anscombe are two uncapped players joined by promising loosehead Rob Evans and hooker Kristian Dacey.
Wales open their campaign against England in Cardiff on the opening Friday to start the tournament, and face Ireland in the penultimate round of games, also in Cardiff on the 14th of March.
Wales Six Nations Squad:
Loosehead Props: Gethin Jenkins, Rob Evans, Paul James
Hookers: Richard Hibbard, Scott Baldwin, Kristian Dacey
Tighthead Props: Samson Lee, Scott Andrews, Aaron Jarvis
Second Rows: Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Jake Ball
Blindside Flankers: Dan Lydiate, James King
Openside Flankers: Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric
No. 8: Taulupe Faletau
Scrumhalves: Rhys Webb, Mike Phillips, Gareth Davies
Outhalves: Rhys Priestland, Dan Biggar, Gareth Anscombe
Inside Centres: Jamie Roberts, Cory Allen, Scott Williams
Outside Centres: Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan
Wingers: George North, Alex Cuthbert, Hallam Amos
Fullbacks: Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams
Photo Credit Stephen McCarthy/ Sportsfile
