With Gatland called up to the Welsh squad, Ken Owens was appointed captain
Returning as coach of the Leek XV, the New Zealand technician called up 37 players on Tuesday, including 4 starters.
In his first list since returning as Wales manager, Warren Gatland called up 37 players on Tuesday, including 4 starters, to prepare for the upcoming Six Nations, and hooker Ken Owens (36) was named captain. Returning to the Leek Head XV in early December, after a series of disastrous fall tests, Gatland is doing a kind of revision as the World Cup approaches in France.
“Maybe it’s a bigger group than I would normally pick, but hopefully we can have a good tournament and we also have to think about the World Championship.This was explained in the federation’s statement. Marks the return of a few injured players this fall, such as Wyn Jones and Dewi Lake on the front line or Liam Williams at the back.
“The next 10 months are sure to be challenging.”
Also returning starters Leon Brown, Rhys Curry, third row Aaron Wainwright, half scrum Reese Webb, half Rhys Pachel and Owen Williams. Gatland also called up four new players: second linebacker Rhys Davies, center Kieran Williams, triple linebacker Mason Grady and third linebacker Teddy Williams.
“We have a few youngsters coming into the group and we also have a few older, very experienced players that we have to manage with playing time. We’ll have to consider all of these elements and find the right balance, because the next 10 months are sure to be challengingcommented Gatland, who nevertheless did not close the door on the absent players.
“There are a few unlucky guys who aren’t in the squad, but my message to them is: keep working hard, you’re not left out.“, he added. The fifth and penultimate of the last tournament, in particular, with a humiliating home defeat against Italy, Wales will start the tournament at home, on February 4, against Ireland.
Wells group:
Fronts: Rhys Curry, Wayne Jones, Gareth Thomas, Dewey Lake, Ken Owens (hat), Bradley Roberts, Leon Brown, Thomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Adam Bird, Rhys Davies, David Jenkins, Alun Wayne Jones, Teddy Williams, Tulopee Faletau, Jack Morgan, Tommy Revell, Justin Tiburek, Krist Chioneza, Aaron Wainwright
succeed: Kieran Hardy, Rhys Webb, Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Pachel, Owen Williams, Mason Grady, Joe Hawkins, George North, Nick Tompkins, Kieran Williams, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert, Rio Dyer, Lee Halfpenny, Louis Rhys Zammit, Liam Williams
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