Prop Rhys Thomas is the only Newport Gwent Dragon included in Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad announced today.

There was no place for experienced internationals Colin Charvis, Michael Owen, Kevin Morgan and Ceri Sweeney, althouth former Dragons Ian Gough (Ospreys) and Gareth Cooper (Gloucester) are included.

Newport-born back rower Ryan Jones (Ospreys) was is the new captain and there is a surprise return for flanker Martyn Williams who announced his retirement from international rugby after the World Cup.

Wales squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship: Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), James Hook (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester).

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Delve (Gloucester), Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).