Warren Gatland brings back veterans ahead of Six Nations

Wales head coach Warren Gatland
Wales head coach Warren Gatland
©PA

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named a 34-strong squad for the 2025 Six Nations, recalling seasoned players Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Taulupe Faletau.

With Wales looking to rebound from a challenging 2024, Gatland has combined experienced veterans with fresh talent in his squad selection.

Loose forward Taulupe Faletau, absent from Wales’ lineup since the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to injury, returns to strengthen the pack. Gatland also recalled experienced backs Josh Adams and Liam Williams, two players pivotal to Wales’ attacking options in past campaigns.

Taking over the captaincy from the injured Dewi Lake is flanker Jac Morgan, whose leadership and performances have been standout for Wales.

In a nod to the future, Gatland has included two uncapped players: Scarlets wing Ellis Mee and Ospreys flyhalf Dan Edwards. These rising stars will have the opportunity to test themselves on rugby’s biggest stage.

Wales faces issues at flyhalf with Gareth Anscombe and Sam Costelow absent. Costelow, a promising prospect, is set to miss the entire tournament due to a shoulder injury sustained during Scarlets’ European Challenge Cup match against Gloucester.

The Six Nations comes after a dismal 2024 for Wales, during which the team endured a record-breaking 12-match losing streak. Their final outing of the year was a crushing 12-45 defeat to South Africa in Cardiff, marking the first calendar year without a Welsh victory since 1937.

Wales will kick off their Six Nations campaign with a daunting opener against reigning champions France in Paris on January 31.

Despite the challenges, Gatland remains optimistic. “We’ve selected a squad that we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience,” said the veteran coach, who is in his second spell at the helm.

Wales squad for 2025 Six Nations:

Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, WillGriff John, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan, Sam Parry, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams.

Backs: Josh Adams, Ellis Bevan, Dan Edwards, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Blair Murray, Joe Roberts, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Rhodri Williams, Tomos Williams.