Mason Grady has been ruled out of Wales' Six Nations campaign due to a long-term ankle injury.
The Cardiff wing is still recovering from surgery after he suffered a fracture during their defeat to Fiji in November, bringing his involvement in the Autumn Nations Series to an early end.
But his club teammate Evan Lloyd is named in the 34-man squad as head coach Warren Gatland looks to banish a record losing streak of twelve Test matches, starting in Paris at the end of the month when they take on France.
Penarth-born hooker Lloyd made his Wales debut last year as a late replacement in their Six Nations defeat to Les Bleus in Cardiff.
He's made ten apperances for Cardiff so far this season, scoring two tries in their Boxing Day win over Dragons and the New Year's Day draw with Ospreys in the URC.
Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan takes the captaincy - with his teammate Dewi Lake still out injured - while Scarlets wing Ellis Mee and Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards receive their first call-ups.
Sale tighthead prop WillGriff John and Ospreys hooker Sam Parry are both recalled alongside Cardiff duo Josh Adams and Taulupe Faletau, Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins, Saracens back Liam Williams, Dragons hooker Elliot Dee and Scarlets centre Joe Roberts.
Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow is among the key absentees after he suffered a broken collarbone in their European Challenge Cup defeat at Gloucester on Friday night.
Also on the sidelines are Rio Dyer, Cameron Winnett, Taine Plumtree, Adam Beard, Ryan Elias and Archie Griffin.
But arguably the main focus will remain on whether Wales can start to turn around a year to forget which saw a Six Nations wooden spoon, further behind-the-scenes turmoil at the WRU and ultimately, the unwelcome record of Warren Gatland presiding over the worst Wales rugby team in history.
Last month, chief executive Abi Tierney again backed Gatland to remain as head coach, despite admitting his job had been 'on the line' following a review of the Autumn internationals, which led to the resignation of excutive director of rugby, Nigel Walker.
While Gatland remains for the time being, a further performance review will be held regardless of how Wales fares in this year's Championship.
On his squad selection, the head coach said: “We’ve selected a squad that we feel has a good blend of exciting young talent and experience."
"This group of players has a huge amount of potential and we will be working incredibly hard together this campaign. The Six Nations is a special competition full of passion and some great rivalries and we have a good challenge to start the Championship away in France."
“I’m excited for our campaign to kick off...and we’re looking to hit the ground running when the squad convenes. 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 follow up their Six Nations opener against France on 31st January with a trip to Rome to face Italy on Saturday 8th January.
Ireland visit Cardiff two weeks later, folllowed by Scotland away on 8th March and a home finale against England on 15th March.
Wales 2025 Six Nations squad:
Forwards: Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Henry Thomas (Scarlets), WillGriff John (Sale Sharks), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff), Sam Parry (Ospreys), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs), Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), Teddy Williams (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff), Jac Morgan (Ospreys, captain), Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers)
Backs: Tomos Williams (Gloucester), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff), Rhodri Williams (Dragons), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Eddie James (Scarlets), Nick Tompkins (Scarlets), Joe Roberts (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Josh Hathaway (Gloucester), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Cardiff), Liam Williams (Saracens).
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