Welsh squad: Navidi in, Jenkins out

After roughly six months away from international action, Wales flanker Josh Navidi has been called into Wayne Pivac's squad ahead of the next Six Nations fixture against France next Friday. 

Navidi returned to the pitch successfully for Cardiff last weekend and was subsequently summoned by Pivac at the expense of Ellis Jenkins. 

A statement form the WRU reads: 

“Josh Navidi (Cardiff Rugby) has been called up to the Wales senior men’s squad for the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations. Ellis Jenkins has been released to join Cardiff Rugby for their upcoming fixtures in South Africa.” 

Navidi has been working through injury since the 2021 British & Irish tour to South Africa. 

Pivac was complimentary regarding Jenkins’ efforts in the Welsh jersey. 

“Ellis has certainly got leadership qualities, we know that. He has the ability to captain a side, but the first thing you need to do to do that is be a number one starter, so the big thing for him at the moment is to keep on building on his short return to the game. 

“Where we are with the lack of leadership and captaincy experience lends itself to him taking the side this week. Certainly, we don’t think it’s going to hamper his game. 

“He is an experienced player, he understands the game and he makes good decisions. He is a good communicator, good with referees and asks good questions. 

“He has been, and will be again, a leading player for Wales moving forwards. It’s just time now in the saddle for him in his position back on the park.”