Uncapped duo added to Wales squad

Uncapped forwards Dewi Lake and Taine Basham have been called into Wales’ Guinness Six Nations squad ahead of Saturday’s match against Ireland.

The ex-Welsh under-20 internationals have been training with the senior squad in recent weeks, the Welsh Rugby Union said.

Ospreys hooker Lake and Dragons back row forward Basham have now been formally added to head coach Wayne Pivac’s group. The WRU added that no players have been released from the squad.

It is Lake’s first senior call-up, but fellow 20-year-old Basham was a Wales squad member for a non-cap fixture against the Barbarians in November.

Pivac originally selected 38 players for the Six Nations, which Wales began with a 42-0 victory over Italy last weekend. Cardiff Blues wing Owen Lane, though, was released last month after suffering a hamstring injury.

(Continue reading below…)

Israel Folau’s first interview for Catalans Dragons

Lane’s Blues colleague Josh Navidi, who remains part of the squad, is currently sidelined because of hamstring trouble, while Saracens back Liam Williams has not yet recovered from an ankle injury that ended his World Cup in semi-final week.

But Dragons hooker Elliot Dee, Ospreys centre Owen Watkin and Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies are all expected to be in the selection mix for Saturday’s appointment with Ireland in Dublin after resuming full training following injuries.

– Press Association 

WATCH: The Rugby Pod reflects on England’s loss in Paris and looks ahead to the Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland