Watkins and Davies have caught Hansen's eye

Llanelli centres Matthew Watkins and Leigh Davies have been included in the Wales training squad for the RBS Six Nations championship.

The pair have been in impressive form for the Scarlets this season.

Davies won the last of his 20 caps back in October 2001 in the postponed Six Nations match against Ireland.

Watkins, a Wales A international, is included in the senior squad for the first time.

The only other uncapped player named in the 31-man squad is Pontypridd fly-half Ceri Sweeney.

He will be third choice behind Stephen Jones and Iestyn Harris.

Said coach Steve Hansen: "Matthew Watkins has benefited from playing in a good Llanelli side - he is on fire at the moment.

"And Ceri Sweeney has been a model of consistency all season.

Hansen will need cover for Mefin Davies

"With Neil Jenkins being injured, it has created an opportunity for him."

An injury crisis has meant coach Steve Hansen has been able to name only one hooker - Pontypridd's Mefin Davies.

Llanelli's Robin McBryde is out of the reckoning for up to six weeks after having toe surgery last week, and Barry Williams broke his jaw in Neath's Celtic League final defeat to Munster on Saturday.

A second hooker will be selected in the next few days.

Bath's Jon Humphreys and Bridgend's Gareth Williams are the most likely candidates, although Duncan Jones could be converted from prop.

Colin Charvis has retained the captaincy from the November internationals, despite concerns over his club form.

The Swansea flanker was heavily criticised by former Wales captain Gwyn Jones for his club performances.

But Hansen said has no concerns over Charvis' leadership qualities.

"Colin have been very good thus far - not only on the paddock, but off it as well," said Hansen.

Injuries have also deprived Hansen of Andrew Lewis, Dafydd James, Neil Jenkins, Andy Marinos and Sonny Parker.

The squad will be trimmed down to 22 players next week ahead of the opening fixture away to Italy on 15 February.

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Wales training squad:

Backs: K Morgan (Swansea), R Williams (Cardiff), G Thomas (Bridgend), M Jones (Llanelli), C Morgan (Cardiff), M Watkins (Llanelli), J Robinson (Cardiff), L Davies (Llanelli), T Shanklin (Saracens), M Taylor (Swansea), I Harris (Cardiff), C Sweeney (Pontypridd), S Jones (Llanelli), G Cooper (Bath), R Powell (Cardiff), D Peel (Llanelli)

Forwards: I Thomas (Llanelli), G Jenkins (Pontypridd), B Evans (Swansea), M Madden (Llanelli), M Davies (Pontypridd), R Sidoli (Pontypridd), G Llewellyn (Neath), S Williams (Northampton), V Cooper (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bath), R Parks (Pontypridd), M Williams (Cardiff), D Jones (Llanelli), C Charvis (Swansea, capt), M Owen (Pontypridd)

	:	Wales
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