Wales will be captained by Jac Morgan in the 2025 men's Six Nations while Josh Adams, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, Joe Roberts and Liam Williams all return to the squad.
Hooker Dewi Lake captained Wales into last year's autumn internationals but he is out with a bicep injury while Adam Beard, Ryan Elias, Ben Carter, Archie Griffin, Mason Grady and Sam Costelow also all miss out through injury. Gareth Anscombe is omitted.
Wales have been challenged to deliver "success" in this Six Nations by the WRU after a 2024 campaign where they failed to win a single Test match. Warren Gatland has brought in uncapped duo Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards and Scarlets wing Ellis Mee into the squad while he has recalled prop WillGriff John.
Gatland also brought back hooker Sam Parry, who quit Wales last summer ahead of their tour of Australia amid reports he felt "disrespected" by the head coach.
"We've selected a squad that we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience. I'm excited for our campaign to kick off next week and we're looking to hit the ground running when the squad convenes," Gatland said in a statement.
"Every single training session is incredibly important in terms of our preparation for that first game and I'll be looking to see a lot of hard work and everyone working together.
"As ever there are going to be some very disappointed players who have missed out on selection. The message to them is keep working hard because you never know what may happen."
Wales begin their 2025 Six Nations campaign away at France on Jan. 31.
Full Wales squad:
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, James Botham, Elliot Dee, Taulupe Faletau, Dafydd Jenkins, WillGriff John, Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan (captain), Sam Parry, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright, Teddy Williams.
Backs: Josh Adams, Ellis Bevan, Dan Edwards, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Blair Murray, Joe Roberts, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Rhodri Williams, Tomos Williams.
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