Wales have named a 36-man squad for the 2022 Six Nations featuring three uncapped players and Dan Biggar as captain for the campaign.
The uncapped players called up to the squad are Ospreys duo Dewi Lake (hooker) and Jac Morgan (loose forward) and Cardiff Rugby’s James Ratti (loose forward).
Another five players could be in line to make their first Six Nations appearance, including Bradley Roberts and Christ Tshiunza, who made their international debut in the 2021 Autumn Nations series.
Biggar has been named captain of Wales for the first time in his career in absence of Alun Wyn Jones, who alongside Elliott Dee, Ken Owens, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Josh Macleod, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, Johnny Williams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny are all unavailable for selection due to injury.
Ross Moriarty and Alex Cuthbert could win their 50th caps during the campaign, Jonathan Davies could reach the milestone of 100 Test appearances overall and Biggar would be in line for his 100th Wales cap if he features in all five matches.
Commenting on his squad selection, coach Wayne Pivac said: “We are excited to get back together as a squad when we meet up on Monday.
“The Six Nations is a very special competition and we want to go out and win, like every other nation. This is tournament rugby, so it’s about working hard in training and preparing well each week.
“Last year the Six Nations offered fans an exciting brand of rugby with lots of tries and, while we know we have five tough matches ahead and the margins in Test rugby are fine, we are looking forward to the challenge.
“With the world cup on the horizon next year, every match will be important for development on the road to France.
“In terms of captaincy, we’ve named Dan Biggar. With the experience missing with some players out injured, we wanted someone who had experienced the competition on a number of occasions and knows the rigours of it. He gives us that – he has 95 Wales caps and he’s toured with the British & Irish Lions.
“Dan has the respect of the other players and management, so we think he’ll do a great job.”
Wales squad
Forwards – Rhys Carre Wyn Jones, Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Bradley Roberts, Leon Brown, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Seb Davies, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, Taine Basham, Ellis Jenkins, Jac Morgan, Ross Moriarty, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs – Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar (c), Rhys Priestland, Callum Sheedy, Jonathan Davies, Uilisi Halaholo, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert, Louis Rees-Zammit, Johnny McNicholl, Liam Williams.
