Uncapped Dan Edwards is the only specialist 10 in Wales Six Nations squad
Wales Jac Morgan, right, is tackled by Australia’s Andrew Kellaway during the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Wales and Australia at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File)
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Uncapped Dan Edwards was the only specialist flyhalf in Wales’ Six Nations squad named on Monday.
Ospreys’ Edwards and Scarlets winger Ellis Mee were the two test rookies in the 34-man group that will be captained by flanker Jac Morgan, who takes over the leadership reins from an injured Dewi Lake.
Experienced Gloucester No. 10 Gareth Anscombe missed out, as did Scarlets flyhalf Sam Costelow, who broke his collarbone against Gloucester last Friday. Costelow needs surgery and will be out for 12 weeks, so will miss the Six Nations.
That left Edwards and the seven-cap Ben Thomas, the Cardiff inside center, as the flyhalf options.
“We were hoping to have (Edwards) in in the autumn but unfortunately he had a groin strain and picked up a head knock,” coach Warren Gatland said. “We have been impressed in terms of the way that he’s played. He has matured nicely into looking like a quality 10.
“It is the one position where we’ve spoken about trying to develop some strength in depth. Someone like him gets an opportunity to stake a bit of a claim.
“We know Gareth has a lot of experience. One of the things we talked about is he’s 33 now and he will be 36 by the next World Cup. Will he be around?”
Llewellyn cut on his birthday
Injuries to Lake and fellow hooker Ryan Elias have earned a recall for Ospreys hooker Sam Parry, who walked out of the Wales squad last summer and said he felt “disrespected” by Gatland.
Also back were Lions No. 8 Taulupe Faletau, who has not played for Wales since the 2023 Rugby World Cup because of injury, wing Josh Adams and fullback Liam Williams. Sale prop WillGriff John and Scarlets center Joe Roberts, both capped twice, return as well.
Backs Max Llewellyn, Cameron Winnett, Rio Dyer and back-rower Taine Plumtree weren’t selected after featuring in the autumn. Unavailable due to injury were lock Adam Beard, prop Archie Griffin and back Mason Grady.
Llewellyn, who turned 26 on Friday, started at center in all three autumn tests. Gatland said on Monday he was unlucky to miss the cut and needed more touches. Llewellyn’s Gloucester club responded by cheekily posting on X a video of his seven tries in the English Premiership, and noted “The GallagherPrem’s top try scorer, Max Llewellyn” with a winking emoji.
France first up in Six Nations
Wales has lost its last 12 tests and hasn’t earned a win since the Rugby World Cup 15 months ago. It has a daunting Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Jan. 31, followed by a Rome appointment with Italy eight days later.
“There’s always trepidation (playing France),” Gatland said. “We look back to the Six Nations last year when we were ahead at 62 minutes. They brought on all their bench which had a huge impact.
“Playing France first up isn’t a bad thing. They tend to take a while to get started in the Six Nations. Hopefully we can start well.”
Gatland stayed in the job after the autumn series following a Welsh Rugby Union review. Another review is scheduled after the Six Nations.
A couple of additions to his coaching staff will be announced this week.
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Wales: 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.