Mitchell in Welsh squad

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Craig Mitchell has been named in the Wales match-day squad for their opening Six Nations clash with Ireland on Saturday at the Millennium Stadium (1.30pm).

The 26-year-old tighthead, who has recently returned to competitive action with the Chiefs following a ruptured bicep, has been named on the bench by Wales' interim coach Rob Howley.

Should Mitchell take to the field in Cardiff, he is poised to win his 12th international cap for his country.

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), George North (Scarlets); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Sam Warburton (Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Olly Kohn (Harlequins), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).