Former Worcester Warriors head coach Jonathan Thomas has been confirmed as the final member of the Wales coaching team ahead of the Six Nations.

Thomas took over the Warriors ahead of the 2020-21 season and departed in January 2022, months before the side's financial worries came to light.

Having won 67 caps for Wales between 2003 and 2011, Thomas will have responsibility for the contact area.

He joins fellow assistant coaches Alex King, Jonathan Humphreys, Mike Forshaw and Neil Jenkins in Warren Gatland's coaching team.

Thomas said: “I am delighted and honoured to be part of the coaching team.

“As a passionate Welshman, my dream and ambition growing up was to play for Wales.

“Since finishing playing and going into coaching, my ambition has been to become part of the international coaching set up.

“Being successful and inspiring our great country is what it is all about, and I am determined to support and help make a difference to the players and staff.”

Worcester News: Warren Gatland has named his squad for the upcoming Six Nations ChampionshipWarren Gatland has named his squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship (Image: PA WIRE)

Thomas' appointment comes as Gatland named his squad for the upcoming Six Nations Championship, with four uncapped players featuring.

Ospreys centre Keiran Williams, Cardiff centre Mason Grady, Ospreys lock Rhys Davies and Cardiff second-row forward Teddy Williams have all been selected.

The quartet are the only international rookies among a 37-man group, with Gatland’s second spell as Wales boss beginning against Ireland on February 4.

Gatland has recalled several players, including former Warriors fly-half, Owen Williams, now at Ospreys.

Scarlets back Rhys Patchell, Cardiff prop Rhys Carre, Dragons back-row forward Aaron Wainwright and 34-year-old Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb – who last played Test rugby in 2020 – have also been brought back into the mix.

Absentees include Ross Moriarty, Nicky Smith and Ryan Elias, while injuries have sidelined the likes of fly-half Gareth Anscombe and lock Will Rowlands.

But Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who is currently out of action due to an ankle problem, has been picked.

Scarlets hooker Ken Owens has been appointed captain, being preferred to other candidates such as Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones.

“It’s probably a bigger squad than I would normally name, but we want to have a good Six Nations and also look forward to the World Cup," said Gatland.