Breaking: Wales Team Named For Six Nations Opener

Rob Howley has named his Wales team for their Six Nations opener on Sunday.

Alun Wyn Jones captains the side and will be joined in the second-row by Jake Ball. Sam Warburton starts at six, with Justin Tipuric at seven and Ross Moriarty at eight.

Howley has gone with a star studded back-line that features the likes of returning scrumhalf Rhys Webb, Jonathan Davies, George North and Leigh Halfpenny.

The interim Wales head coach said he is delighted to be able to name and experience side for the crucial opener with Conor O’Shea’s Italy.

“I’m delighted to name an experienced team for the game against Italy and to welcome back five players who missed out on the opportunity against South Africa in the autumn.

“The Six Nations is a special tournament and we are looking forward to being highly competitive. We feel this is the best side selected to start the campaign, we want to get off to a good start and we feel experience will be vital in that.

“There has been a lot of energy and enthusiasm over the past two weeks and we are excited going into Sunday.

“We know we are going to Rome to face a hugely motivated and very competitive Italian side.”