Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan has been named Welsh captain for the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, taking over from Dewi Lake, who misses out due to injury.
Several key Welsh players return to the fold after missing the 2024 Autumn Nations Series due to injury, including Josh Adams (wing), Elliot Dee (hooker), Taulupe Faletau (back-row), Dafydd Jenkins (back-five), Joe Roberts (centre), and Liam Williams (back-three).
Two uncapped players have earned call-ups: Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards and Scarlets wing Ellis Mee, who have impressed in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the European Challenge Cup competitions.
Additionally, eight players are poised to make their Six Nations debuts, with Ellis Bevan, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Blair Murray, and Freddie Thomas among those who debuted internationally in 2024.
The squad also sees the return of tighthead prop WillGriff John and hooker Sam Parry. The average age of the squad is 26, reflecting a healthy mix of experience and youthful talent.
Gatland said: “We’ve selected a squad that we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience.
“This group of players has a huge amount of potential, and we will be working incredibly hard together this campaign. The Six Nations is a special competition, full of passion and great rivalries, and we have a good challenge to start the Championship away in France.
“I’m excited for our campaign to kick off next week, and we’re looking to hit the ground running when the squad convenes. Every single training session is incredibly important in terms of our preparation for that first game, and I’ll be looking to see a lot of hard work and everyone working together.
“As ever, there are going to be some very disappointed players who have missed out on selection. The message to them is to keep working hard because you never know what may happen.”
The 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship officially kicks off on 31st January, as Wales face France away in Paris on Friday night. This is followed by a trip to Rome to play Italy the following Saturday.
Wales then face Ireland in round three, their first home fixture of the Championship. Two weeks later, Wales travel to Edinburgh for a match against Scotland, before concluding the 2025 edition of the competition at home at Principality Stadium against England on Saturday 15th March.
WALES SQUAD FOR 2025 GUINNESS MEN'S SIX NATIONS Forwards (19)
Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 10 caps)
James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
Elliot Dee (Dragons – 51 caps)
Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 104 caps)
Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 19 caps)
WillGriff John (Sale Sharks – 2 caps)
Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets – 5 caps)
Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 15 caps) captain
Sam Parry (Ospreys – 7 caps)
Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 23 caps)
Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 36 caps)
Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 49 caps)
Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)
Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 4 caps)
Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs – 15 caps)
Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 52 caps)
Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 2 caps) Backs (15) Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 59 caps)
Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
Dan Edwards (Ospreys – uncapped / heb gap)
Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby – 2 caps)
Eddie James (Scarlets – 3 caps)
Ellis Mee (Scarlets – uncapped / heb gap)
Blair Murray (Scarlets – 3 caps)
Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 2 caps)
Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps)
Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 38 caps)
Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 42 caps)
Liam Williams (Saracens – 92 caps)
Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 5 caps)
Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 59 caps)
