Today’s rugby news as Gatland starts new Wales era and ‘esteemed’ rugby star figure dies

Gatland to announce new-look Wales squad

This lunchtime, Warren Gatland will announce his Wales Six Nations team. It is anticipated that several new faces will be called up for the first time at the announcement.

Jac Morgan is probably going to miss the entire event, while Dewi Lake is also doubtful due to injuries. A new captain will also be appointed. Captaincy possibilities could include Lake, if fit, Adam Beard, flanker Tommy Reffell and Beard’s fellow lock Dafydd Jenkins, who has led Exeter effectively on home and European fronts this season.

With Exeter forward Tshiunza recently suffering a setback during his recuperation from a broken foot, and number eight Faletau not having played since fracturing his arm during the World Cup, Gatland has a number of injury concerns.

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on February 3, and latest estimates on Faletau are that he could return to action some time next month.

Prop Nicky Smith and hooker Elliot Dee have also had injury issues, while Bristol fly-half Callum Sheedy, who has been tipped for a squad recall, is currently sidelined due to a knee problem. Josh Macleod is expected to miss out through injury, while Taine Plumtree is another unavailable in the back row.

Four players who were part of Gatland’s World Cup squad will not be involved, with Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny having retired from Test rugby, Liam Williams now being based in Japan and Gareth Anscombe injured.

And centre Johnny Williams is facing a ban after he was sent off during the Scarlets’ Challenge Cup defeat against Clermont Auvergne.

Tributes to popular Welsh rugby figure

Tributes have been paid to the man who helped launch the careers of a number of Welsh rugby players, following his sudden death.

Andrew Wedlake was chairman and former coach of Waunarlwydd RFC and a hugely respected figure in Welsh rugby circles.

He helped set the careers of players like Wales full-back Liam Williams on the right path in his role as coach. Williams was among those to pay tribute on Monday night.

An Ospreys statement read: “Everyone at the Ospreys is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Andrew Wedlake, chairman of Waunarlwydd RFC over the weekend.

“A devoted family man and esteemed figure of the rugby community, Andrew had a strong influence on countless rugby careers at Waunarlywdd.

“Several of those players, like Nicky Smith, Keelan Giles, Mat Protheroe, Scott Otten, and Nicky Thomas, have gone on to play for the Ospreys.” Liam Williams emerged as the British and Irish Lion’s standout player outside of the Ospreys during Andrew’s coaching tenure.

“As they recognized the importance of the club’s sense of community, Andrew always placed a great focus on developing local players.

“The friends and family of Andrew, as well as everyone at Waunarlywdd RFC, have our deepest sympathies. We shall really miss him.”

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English wing to be named by Scotland

Scotland’s Six Nations team is set to be announced on Tuesday, according to a report from the Telegraph, featuring Sale Sharks winger Arron Reed.

The 24-year-old Chester native is qualified for the Scots despite playing for England Under-18 and Under-20. Gregor Townsend is working to get his man ready for the opening game against Wales in a few weeks.

Although Reed has performed well for the English Premiership team this season, England has not included him in their roster as of yet. On Wednesday, they may name Emmanuel Feyi-Waboso, a flyer from Cardiff.

Townsend was rumored to be assembling his team on Monday in preparation for a Tuesday announcement.