21-year-old Edwards will join Scarlets Ellis Mee as the two uncapped players in the squad. The Wales under-20 cap will compete for number ten duties with Cardiff’s Ben Thomas after Gloucester’s Gareth Anscombe was surprisingly dropped and Sam Costelow ruled out through injury.
Gatland’s squad has a few noticeable absentees with regulars Rio Dyer, Cameron Winnett, and Taine Plumtree omitted for Wales’ first match in Paris against France on 31st January.
Ospreys captain Jac Morgan, one of five Swansea-based players, will lead the side in teammate Dewi Lake’s absence, with a recall handed to Lake’s front-row replacement Sam Parry. There are also places for loosehead prop Gareth Thomas and centre Owen Watkin.
Gatland, meanwhile, has also brought back experienced campaigners Taulupe Faletau – who has not played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup because of injury – Josh Adams and Liam Williams.
Speaking on his selection 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 some great rivalries, and we have a good challenge to start the Championship away in France.
“I am excited for our campaign to kick off, and we are 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 will 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 keep working hard, because you never know what may happen.”
Wales squad for 2025 Six Nations:
Forwards: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Kemsley Mathias, Keiron Assiratti, Henry Thomas, WillGriff John, Elliot Dee, Evan Lloyd, Sam Parry, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Aaron Wainwright, Taulupe Faletau, Jac Morgan (captain), Tommy Reffell.
Backs: Tomos Williams, Ellis Bevan, Rhodri Williams, Ben Thomas, Dan Edwards, Eddie James, Nick Tompkins, Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin, Tom Rogers, Josh Hathaway, Ellis Mee, Blair Murray, Josh Adams, Liam Williams.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
