We take a look at Wales' 7 uncapped 6 Nations players

January 17, 2017
4190
Ultimate Rugby

With Rob Howley announcing his 36-man squad for the 2017 6 Nations. We take a look at the 7 uncapped Welsh players who made the 36-man extended squad.

Rory Thornton (Ospreys)

Thornton made his way through the age-grades, before leading his country at the 2015 JWC, leading to a call up to the Wales training squad for the 2015 RWC.

At 6ft 7 in, Thornton is excellent in the line-out, and regularly tops the chats for most takes.

The Ospreys man has worked hard to improve his presence in the loose. Wales interim coach, Howley, has been impressed by his work “his performances in the wide channels, athletic base and his skill-set are really good''.

At just 21 years of age, Thornton has plenty of time to make his presence felt on the international stage.

Owen Williams (Leicester)

Williams, 24, is another man who has played himself into selection with a string of eye-catching performances for the Leicester Tigers.

Having recently announced that he will be plying his trade at Gloucester next season.

Williams amassed more than 500 points for the Tigers at out-half and centre.

He previously played for Scarlets before joining the Tigers in 2013 and will be eager to show his credentials on the big stage.

Thomas Young (Wasps)

Young, the son of Wasps coach and former Wales captain Dai - who won 51 caps for his country - was reportedly courted by England last year although he was already tied to Wales having featured for their Under-20 side.

He has been named in the squad following a fine run of form which has put Wasps on the summit of the Premiership table, 5 tries in 17 games, combined with a host of man-of-the-match performances it was only a matter of time until he was selected.

Young was on stand by for Wales' tour of New Zealand in the summer before a hamstring injury ruled him out of the end of the Premiership campaign.

Olly Cracknell (Ospreys)

After an impressive debut season at the Liberty Stadium, Cracknell has impressed as the Ospreys have surged to the top of the Guinness PRO12.

The 22 year-old blindside flanker, who made six appearances for the Wales under-20s, has looked at home in the Ospreys back-row alongside Wales internationals Justin Tipuric and Dan Baker as the region went 372 minutes without conceding a try.

Cracknell also offers plenty going forward with clever lines and strong ball-carrying marking him out as a Test player in the making.

Aled Davies (Scarlets)

The 24 year old Scarlets scrum-half has been called into his second 6 Nations squad following his inclusion in last year's panel.

A wise head on young shoulders, Davies is a viable back up option for Rob Howley's side, having plenty of game time for his club side.

Steffan Evans (Scarlets)

Scarlets winger has caught the eye with a couple of impressive performances. Evans has been a revelation for the region this season, having scored 5 tries, made 729 metres and beaten 35 defenders.

Having worked on his defence and decision making, the 22-year-old is arguably the form winger in the country.

Ashton Hewitt (Dragons)