Penarth-born teenager Louis Rees-Zammit set to be named in Wales' Six Nations squad

Penarth-born teenager Louis Rees-Zammit is set to be named in Wales' Guinness Six Nations squad, according to media reports.

The 18-year-old Gloucester wing has lit up English rugby this season, scoring nine tries in 10 games for his club.

His form has attracted Wales head coach Wayne Pivac's attention as he prepares for Wednesday's squad announcement.

Rees-Zammit has scored six tries in his last three Gloucester appearances, including a hat-trick against Northampton.

He has already been rewarded with a long-term club contract after developing at a startling pace through Gloucester's academy, and he has spoken about his dream to represent Wales.

If he features against opening Six Nations opponents Italy in Cardiff on February 1, he would join an elite band of 18-year-olds to play for Wales, including George North and Tom Prydie.

Rees-Zammit will turn 19 the day after that match, which will be Wales' first Six Nations Test under Pivac and his new coaching team.

And Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys added: "Louis has had an amazing start to his professional rugby career.

"Not many 18-year-old academy players get an opportunity to play regular Premiership and Champions Cup, but Louis has taken his chance and become a regular member of the match-day squad over the last few months."

While Rees-Zammit prepares for a potential first taste of the senior international environment, Pivac's squad is also likely to include many familiar faces.

Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau is poised to return, having missed the World Cup in Japan because of a collarbone injury.

It was another cruel injury setback for the 29-year-old, who has won 72 caps, but not played Test rugby since March 2018.

Pivac will be without the likes of long-term injured pair Jonathan Davies and Gareth Anscombe, while Scarlets-bound Saracens back Liam Williams has not played since suffering an ankle injury at the World Cup.

With centre Davies sidelined, there could be a recall for Rees-Zammit's Gloucester colleague Owen Williams, who won the last of his three caps in November 2017, while uncapped Sale Sharks prop WillGriff John is thought to be among the front-row candidates.