The number of uncapped players in Wales' Six Nations squad rises to six, as Harlequins second row Olly Kohn is added. Interim coach Rob Howley is dealing with a raft of injuries to senior players, as Wales prepare to defend their 2012 Grand Slam.
We looked at Olly when we initially selected the Six Nations squad and we have brought him in now as we believe he will be an experienced addition. He has been performing very well for Quins and has been a feature in their pack. He’s a strong ball carrier and dominant at the set piece and it will be good to see him in the international environment.
– Rob Howley, Wales Interim Coach
Receiving the call up was surreal and I can’t wait to join up with the squad this weekend. It's a really proud moment for me and a great opportunity to show what I can do. It will be good to meet the squad, get training and hopefully be part of a successful Six Nations campaign with Wales.
Kohn played a key role as Harlequins won the 2012 English Premiership Credit: David Davies / PA Archive / Press Association Images
Second row Olly Kohn has been called up to Wales' squad for the Six Nations. The 31-year-old becomes the sixth uncapped member of Rob Howley's squad, which has been hit by injuries, at lock particularly.
He was born in Bristol, but is eligible to play for Wales due to a Welsh grandfather. He will join up with the rest of the players on Sunday evening.
Wales interim head coach Rob Howley is confident that the talent coming through in Wales is more than capable of helping his team defend their Six Nations title.
"We're Grand Slam champions. We're not going to give up that easily" he says.
"We've always believed in talent, and giving that talent the opportunity to flourish under national team. I'm absolutely certain that won't change."
Wales begin the defence of their Six Nations crown on 2 February, against Ireland in Cardiff. Rob Howley has been robbed of the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and Rhys Priestland through injury, but says he's chosen 'a very experienced squad' alongside players in form for the regions.
Howley is in charge for the Six Nations, with Warren Gatland on Lions duty Credit: David Davies / PA Wire / Press Association Images
'We have put together a very experienced squad and complimented that by rewarding the in-form players with a call-up,' Howley said. 'The players in the squad have been playing really well and we have been pleased with their individual performances.'
'We have a group of players who know how to win big matches and have experienced success. We are adding to that, players who have stood out and performed well for the regions this season.'
Scott Andrews, Craig Mitchell, Adam Jones, Paul James, Gethin Jenkins, Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard, Ken Owens, Matthew Rees, Ryan Jones, Lou Reed, Ian Evans, James King, Andrew Coombs, Josh Turnbull, Josh Navidi, Aaron Shingler, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau, Andries Pretorius
Backs:
Tavis Knoyle, Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Dan Biggar, James Hook, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Alex Cuthbert, George North, Eli Walker, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Lee Byrne
Caretaker coach Rob Howley has named five uncapped players in his Wales squad for the Six Nations. Captain Sam Warburton leads the 35-man party, which is missing a raft of senior players through injury.
Eli Walker's dazzling pace has caught the eye for the Ospreys Credit: David Jones / PA Wire / Press Association Images
The new men are second rows James King, who's 22 and plays for the Ospreys, and the Dragons' Andrew Coombs, 28. Back rows Josh Navidi, a former Wales Under 20 skipper, and his Blues captain Andres Pretorius are also included. 20-year-old winger Eli Walker earns his first senior call-up.
Full back Lee Byrne - in form in France for Clermont Auvergne - has earned a recall Credit: Tony Marshall / EMPICS Sport
The Ospreys estimate back row Ryan Jones will be out of action for three to four weeks - after he suffered a compound dislocation of his thumb during the region's draw with Leicester yesterday.
Wales begin their Six Nations campaign at home to Ireland on 2 February, and then travel to Paris to face France on 9 February. Jones' chances of playing in those first two games of the Championship now look slim.
Ryan Jones has won three Grand Slams in eight years with Wales Credit: David Jones / PA Archive / Press Association Images
