Mitchell in Welsh squad

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell is hoping to be part of Wales' Six Nations plans after he was today named in their 35-man squad for the tournament.

The 26-year-old forward, who recently returned to competitive action having been out with a ruptured bicep since September, says he is "delighted" to have been included by interim coach Rob Howley.

Mitchell, along with Bath's Paul James, are the only two players named by Howley who feature in the Aviva Premiership, the remainder of the squad has been made of players who run out in either the Top 14 in France or with the Welsh regions in the Rabo Prodirect12.

"It's great to be back in the Welsh squad again," said Mitchell. "Again it's been tough with with injury I sustained earlier in the season, but now I'm hoping to put that behind me and look to play well for Exeter and hopefully Wales as well."

With four front-line locks ruled out with injury, Howley has called up James King (Ospreys) and Andrew Coombs (Dragons) for the first time. They are joined by Blues back-rowers Josh Navidi and South Africa-born Andries Pretorius, who qualifies on residency, as well as Ospreys wing Eli Walker.

"We have put together a very experienced squad and complemented that by rewarding the in-form players with a call-up," said Howley. "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."

Wales Squad for Six Nations

Forwards: Scott Andrews (Blues), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Adam Jones (Ospreys) Paul James (Bath), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys) Lou Reed (Blues), Ian Evans (Ospreys), James King (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Andries Pretorius (Blues)

Backs: Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets) Alex Cuthbert (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Lee Byrne (Clermont).