Alun Wyn Jones replaces Sam Warburton as Wales captain for Six Nations 2017

Wales have named Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones as the captain for the upcoming 2017 Six Nations campaign which kicks off on 4th February.

Jones will take over the reins from Sam Wurburton, ending his six-year tenure after he became the youngest player to lead Wales in the 2011 World Cup.

The 31-year-old has made 105 appearances for Wales in the last 10 years and is the country's most capped lock forward. Jones is also second most capped player in Wales behind his team-mate Gethin Jenkins. He also has the experience of captaining Wales on numerous occasions in the absence of Warburton.

Having played for British and Irish Lions six times in 2009 and 2013 tours combined, Jones became the first substitute captain to lead the Lions to victory during the third and final decisive Test in Sydney against Wallabies.

Wales interim coach Rob Howley insisted that the decision to make Jones as the captain will benefit Warburton in his role as a player. He further added that he has spoken to the former captain about him switching to open from blind-side of the back-row.

"I spoke to Sam and he agreed it was the best decision for him," said Howley.

"He is a world class player and we want him to be the best he can be.

"We want him to concentrate on his game and to be the best player he can be.

"No player is guaranteed their place in an international team and we want Sam to be playing his very best rugby and he agrees this is the best way forward."

"It's an honour to select Alun Wyn as captain.

"His vast experience, as a player and a leader will help drive this squad forward and I believe he will flourish in the role."

Northampton Saints' George North, Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts and Bath's Taulupe Faletau were picked based on 'Gatland's law' while the talented Ospreys wing Keelan Giles misses out on selection following his hamstring injury.

Howley has also picked six uncapped players in Ospreys flanker Olly Cracknell and lock Rory Thornton, Leicester fly-half Owen Williams, Scarlets wing Steffan Evans, Newport Gwent Dragons wing Ashton Hewit, Aled Davies and Wasps' Thomas Young.

Meanwhile, a calf injury to Jenkins will see Rob Evans making a comeback after missing out on the autumn internationals.

Wales squad for Six Nations 2017

Forwards: Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Rhodri Jones (Ospreys), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Rory Thornton (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby), Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Olly Cracknell (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby), Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Thomas Young (Wasps).

Backs: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Ashton Hewitt (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Steffan Evans (Scarlets), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Scarlets) Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon).