Aled Davies earns first call-up as Wales announce Six Nations squad

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has also handed recalls to Cardiff Blues wing Tom James and Blues flanker Josh Turnbull, while centre Jonathan Davies returns after missing the World Cup because of injury.

Rhys Priestland is also in the squad despite initially having retired from international rugby after last autumn's World Cup, the fly-half having reversed his decision shortly after Christmas.

Injuries, meanwhile, rule out the likes of full-back Leigh Halfpenny, centre Scott Williams and scrum-half Rhys Webb - but Sam Warburton made the cut despite not playing since November.

"We have picked a larger squad than normal, we have a few injuries at the moment, those players aren't too far away from getting back on the field so we are happy with the mix," said Gatland.

"Aled (Davies) is someone who has been on the radar the last couple of years and his selection is reward for his form.

"Tom (James) is playing very well for the Blues and we have been impressed with Josh’s (Turnbull) performances recently.

"It is always exciting when the Six Nations comes around and we are looking forward to meeting up next Monday."

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on February 7.

Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Paul James (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Dominic Day (Bath Rugby), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Cardiff Blues), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (CAPT) (Cardiff Blues).

Backs: Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Morgan (Bristol Rugby), Liam Williams (Scarlets).