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After naming a 54-man training squad, he had to cope with the international retirements of legends Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric, while Owens was unavailable because of injury.

But some of Gatland's selections have been curious with the likes of experienced props Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis and Tomas Francis, fly-halves Gareth Anscombe and Jarod Evans and in-form centre Max Llewellyn, as well as Rio Dyer, all left back home.

Soon after, he let it be known he would enter the contest to succeed outgoing Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Since Alun Wyn Jones officially called time on an 18-year international career in 2023, Wales have won just five of 20 Tests, losing all six in the Six Nations.

Last year's Six Nations was all about change after tournament regulars Johnny Sexton, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar and Owen Farrell stepped away from the Test arena.