Wales 6 Nations Squad

By Zippy
January 17 2006

Mike Ruddock has announced his 2006 RBS 6 Nations squad. The side will be looking for a repeat performance of last years grand slam, for details read on.

Wales squad for 2006 RBS Six Nations:

Backs: Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons), Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues), Stephen Jones (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Dafydd James (Llanelli Scarlets), Lee Byrne (Llanelli Scarlets), Ceri Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), Hal Luscombe (Newport Gwent Dragons), Matthew Watkins (Llanelli Scarlets), Barry Davies (Llanelli Scarlets), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse, captain).

Zippy on the Backs:

All as expected really, really pleased to see the return of Mark Jones and his pace could be the difference, Barry Davies I suspect is the fortunate one to benefit from Sonny Parker's shock retirement. Why Gareth Cooper is there on the form he is showing at present is beyond me.

Forwards: Duncan Jones (Ospreys), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Mefin Davies (Gloucester Rugby), Rhys Thomas (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Ian Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), Robert Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Michael Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons), Gareth Delve (Bath Rugby), Dafydd Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Colin Charvis (Newcastle Falcons).

Zippy on the Forwards:

Few surprises up front, the first is the fact Ruddock has given a huge vote of confidence to Adam Jones as he is the only tight head in the squad!! Back row looks out strongest area by far and the exclusion of Andy Powell has surprised some but not me!

Overall:

Ruddock isn't one for surprises and chopping and changing, hopefully the consistency in selection will mean Wales hit the ground running against England in a few weeks.