You are in > manchester.com  > News > Retired Williams in Wales squad

Rugby Union

Retired Williams in Wales squad

14/01/2008

Back-row forward Martyn Williams is a surprise inclusion in Wales' Six Nations squad - the first announcement under new coach Warren Gatland.

Despite retiring from the international game after last year's Rugby World Cup, Williams has been persuaded to return for Gatland's first campaign.

"I talked to him this weekend and told him we wanted to select him and he took a couple of days to think it over," Gatland said of Williams.

"We have some good youngsters coming through, but the likes of Robin Sowden-Taylor are only going to benefit from having Martyn around at the moment.

"We feel he still has a lot to offer and we are delighted he has accepted the invitation to play for his country again."

Gatland admitted the squad in general is "pretty young" and said 35-year-old Williams' experience would help them develop.

"There is nothing stopping these players selected today holding onto their jerseys right the way up to the next World Cup, even if Martyn doesn't make it that far," the coach continued.

"These are the players in possession now and if they are successful then their destiny is in their own hands.

"We have had to mix the short-term and the long-term view and Martyn in particular is covering a specialist position."

The only uncapped player in the 28-man squad is Cardiff Blues full-back Jamie Roberts - a versatile 21-year-old who could also play as a winger for his country.

Ryan Jones, who missed the World Cup through injury, is recalled and is handed the captain's armband.

And according to Gatland he was one of a number of candidates considered for the role.

"We have gone for Ryan Jones as captain and he is back, fit again and playing well," Gatland explained.

"His ability is unquestionable on the pitch and he has the necessary experience to fill the captaincy role.

"I don't mind admitting we looked at a number of players for the role and Jonathan Thomas in particular is someone who stands out as a key leader and a possible captain for the future, as does his Ospreys colleague Alun-Wyn Jones.

"The likes of Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel will also be important leaders for us, but the competition for places in their positions probably ruled them out of that particular race at this time."

Full 28-man Wales squad:

Backs
Lee Byrne, Jamie Roberts, Tom James, Mark Jones, Shane Williams, Tom Shanklin, Sonny Parker, Gavin Henson, James Hook, Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Gareth Cooper.

Forwards
Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Duncan Jones, Rhys Thomas, Huw Bennett, Matthew Rees, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Gareth Delve, Alix Popham, Ryan Jones (captain).