Warren Gatland names his Wales Six Nations squad

Wales will be hoping for a better tournament after losing all their games but one in 2023. Credit: PA Images

Dafydd Jenkins, the 21-year-old Exeter Chiefs lock, will captain Wales during the 2024 Six Nations.

Warren Gatland named a youthful 34-man squad just minutes after Louis Rees-Zammit announced his intention to step away from rugby with immediate effect to pursue a career in the NFL.

There are five uncapped players in Gatland's side - Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Evan Lloyd, Cameron Winnett and Archie Griffin - with a further eight players in line to make their first Six Nation appearance.

Owen Watkin and James Botham have earned recalls to the international setup.

There is limited experience in the side but it comes in the form of players like George North, Gareth Davies, Josh Adams, Aaron Wainwright and Adam Beard.

Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, who co-captained Wales at the Rugby World Cup, both miss the campaign through injury.

The full squad is as follows:

Forwards (19)Corey Domachowski Kemsley Mathias Gareth Thomas Elliot Dee Ryan Elias Evan Lloyd Keiron Assiratti Leon Brown Archie Griffin Adam Beard Dafydd JenkinsWill Rowlands Teddy WilliamsTaine Basham James Botham Alex Mann Mackenzie Martin Tommy Reffell Aaron Wainwright Backs (15)Gareth Davies Kieran Hardy Tomos Williams Sam Costelow Cai EvansIoan LloydMason Grady George North Joe Roberts Nick Tompkins Owen Watkin Josh Adams Rio DyerTom RogersCameron Winnett

In 2023, Gatland's side suffered heavy defeats against all but one of their rivals. Though, a convincing performance at the Rugby World Cup is a sign things play out differently this year.

Wales' first game is against Scotland on Saturday, 3 February at the Principality Stadium.

More details to follow.

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