Wales recall James after six-year exile

Wales coach Warren Gatland has recalled winger Tom James for the first time in six years for Sunday's Six Nations opener against Ireland.

Cardiff Blues' Tom James breaks away to score a try

Wales have recalled winger Tom James after a six-year exile for the Six Nations opener. (AAP)

Wales named prop Rob Evans, winger Tom James and flanker Justin Tipuric in their starting team for the Six Nations opener against defending champions Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

Evans will earn his fourth cap and James, who last played for his country in 2010, is part of a new-look back three with fullback Gareth Anscombe and winger George North.

Centre Jonathan Davies returns after an injury that ruled him out of last year's World Cup.

"We are excited by the make-up of the squad, it's very experienced along with one eye looking to the future," Wales coach Warren Gatland said.

"It's going to be a physical game. Two years ago they strangled us out of the match and played well and we have to rise to that challenge on Sunday."

Team: Gareth Anscombe, George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Tom James, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton (captain), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Dan Lydiate, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Alex Cuthbert


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world