WARREN GATLAND BUILT a reputation for delivering a number of bombshell selections in his long tenure as Wales coach but Wayne Pivac managed to even outdo him earlier this morning when he named his first Six Nations squad.
In total, there were five uncapped players – four of whom are English-based. Into the mix come WillGriff John, the Sale prop, Will Rowlands – one of six second-row forwards named in the squad; Nick Tompkins, the Saracens centre who won an U20 World Cup with England, before transferring allegiance. Meanwhile, Louis Rees-Zammit, the Gloucester winger and Johnny McNicholl are the other uncapped players.
The surprises didn’t stop there, though. Back into the fold come Seb Davies, Jonah Holmes and interestingly, Owen Williams, the versatile back who may compete with Tompkins for a starting spot on the Welsh side alongside Hadleigh Parkes at centre.
Tompkins, the 25-year-old, joined Saracens in 2012 and has clocked up over 100 appearances for the club.
John, at 27, has been in the Welsh system since he was 16-years-old, playing for their underage international teams at three grades. Rees-Zammit, too, has represented Wales at underage. Still just 18, his call-up was flagged in advance, the main surprise being Rowlands, given Wales’ depth in the second-row.
There is also the noteworthy return of both Taulupe Faletau – two years on since he last played in the Six Nations as well as scrum-half, Rhys Webb. Key absentees include Ospreys pair, Aled Davies and Nicky Smith. Bradley Davies was also omitted.
Wales’ 2020 Six Nations Squad:
Forwards: Rhys Carre, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Ken Owens, Leon Brown, WillGriff John, Dillon Lewis, Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Seb Davies, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Will Rowlands, Cory Hill, Aaron Shingler, Aaron Wainwright, Taulupe Faletau, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric.
Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar, Owen Williams, Jarrod Evans, Hadleigh Parkes, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, George North, Josh Adams, Owen Lane, Johnny McNicholl, Louis Rees-Zammit, Jonah Holmes, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams.
Bit of a disaster from a Pro14 perspective if Pivac can pick Premiership based players en masse. The regions will hemorrage their better players.
@Cian Nolan: ya, the last nail for the already struggling Welsh clubs. Turns out Gatland’s Law was a very accurate name
@Cian Nolan: They have a rather convoluted rule. Tin have to play in Wales to be picked unless: you have 60+ caps, are not offered a “market rate” contract in Wales or are already playing abroad when you’re first picked (in which case you can play for Wales until your current contract is up). In short it’s a bit of a mess. But they won’t really haemorrhage players because of it, and in fact has successfully enticed back a few big names.
McNicholl is a serious player.
If anything that is a signficantly better squad than their last. Really like Tompkin. He could well be shipped on from Sarries to cover their losses, though he probably doesn’t cost them much right now, he will be able to demand a decent wage on his renewal. I think Pivac fits the traditional Welsh style of rugby and they are going to be fantastic to watch. Actually quite looking forward to seeing them go at it. Can’t see their defence being as good with Edwards leaving.
Serious squad. Looks more attack-minded than last year, will be interesting to see how quickly Pivac can get them playing his way.
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