Thomas among Wales players released and Davies out

Ben Thomas is among nine players released by Wales to the regions for the next round of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Thomas started the Six Nations for Wales against England but was dropped for the following matches against France and Scotland.

Josh Macleod was another starter at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham to be released from the squad this week as the Six Nations takes a break.

However Rhys Davies has been ruled out of the rest of the championship after damaging an ankle during training.

The Ospreys lock was a late call up after missing out on selection for the original 38-strong squad, but did not feature in the opening three games.

Thomas returns to Cardiff alongside Mason Grady and Liam Belcher while Macleod's Scarlets team-mate Tom Rogers is also released.

Ospreys quartet Gareth Thomas, Owen Watkin, Harri Deaves and Reuben Morgan-Williams also return to their region.

All players are due to return to the Wales squad next Monday ahead of Wales' next Six nations game against Ireland in Dublin on Friday, 6 March.