Both Toby Faletau and Andrew Coombs have been included in the squad which will be captained by Cardiff Blues’ Sam Warburton as they prepare to defend their 2012 RBS 6 Nations title.
Experienced back row Faletau said, ‘I am really happy to have been selected and am looking forward to getting onto the field.’
Second row duo James King (Ospreys) and Andrew Coombs (Dragons) have been called into the squad for the first time alongside Ospreys Eli Walker.
‘I feel really overwhelmed by the news. I am really happy and it’s great to have this opportunity. I got into the Dragons by fellow teammates being injured which was a great opportunity and I look upon this the same,’ said Coombs.
‘There is an opportunity there through some injuries and I am looking to take this with both hands, I just want to get on the field now and do all of my talking through playing rugby.’
Director of Rugby Rob Beale added, ‘I am really delighted for Andrew he’s 100% committed to the Dragons and to achieving everything he has. He’s become an integral part of the squad and this call up is a justifiable reward for all of his efforts.’
The 2012 Grand Slam Champions begin the defence of their title against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 2 February, before facing France in Paris the following weekend.
Wales Squad
FORWARDS: Scott Andrews (Blues), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Adam Jones (Ospreys) Paul James (Bath), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys) Lou Reed (Blues), Ian Evans (Ospreys), James King (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Andries Pretorius (Blues)
BACKS: Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets) Alex Cuthbert (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Lee Byrne (Clermont).
