Back at the head of the leek XV in early December, after a series of catastrophic autumn tests, Gatland is doing a sort of staff review as the World Cup in France looms.

"It's a probably bigger group than what I would normally choose, but we hope to have a good tournament and also have to think about the World Cup," he explained in the statement from the federation.

It records the return of a few injured players this fall, such as Wyn Jones and Dewi Lake on the front line or Liam Williams at the back.

Mainstays Leon Brown, Rhys Carre, third row Aaron Wainwright, scrum-half Rhys Webb and scrum-half Rhys Patchell and Owen Williams also return to the squad.

Gatland also called up four newcomers: second row Rhys Davies, center Kieran Williams, three-quarterback Mason Grady and third row Teddy Williams.

"We have a few young people joining the group and we also have a few older and very experienced players whose playing time we have to manage. We will have to look at all of these elements and find the right balance, because the ten months to coming will definitely be a challenge," commented Gatland, who does not close the door to absent players.

"There are a few players who have been unlucky not being in the squad, but my message to them is keep working hard, you're not left out," he added. .

Warren Gatland at the head of the British Lions before their match against the Springboks in Cape Town, July 24, 2021 © PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP / Archives

Fifth and penultimate of the last Tournament, with, in particular, a humiliating defeat in Cardiff against Italy, Wales will start their Tournament at home, on February 4, against Ireland.

Wales squad for the Six Nations Tournament:

Fronts:

Rhys Carre, Wyn Jones, Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, Ken Owens (cap), Bradley Roberts, Leon Brown, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones, Teddy Williams, Taulupe Faletau, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Justin Tipuric, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright

Fullbacks: Kieran Hardy, Rhys Webb, Tomos Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Owen Williams, Mason Grady, Joe Hawkins, George North, Nick Tompkins, Keiran Williams, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert, Rio Dyer, Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees- Zammit, Liam Williams

© 2023 AFP