DAN Lydiate has retained his place in Warren Gatland’s Welsh squad for the forthcoming RBS Six Nations Championship.
The 21-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons flanker joins clubmate Dan Charteris in the 35 man squad.
Wales’ tournament begins on Saturday, Februray 6, at Twickenham against old enemy England before welcoming Scotland to the Millennium Stadium on February 13.
History will be made on Friday, Februray 26, when France arrive in Cardiff for the first ever Friday night fixture.
On March 13, Wales travel to Croke Park to take on Ireland before concluding with a visit from Italy on March 20.
Once again the Welsh squad is dominated by Cardiff Blues and Ospreys stars with Lydiate forming a select band of just seven players not hailing from the Arms Park or the Liberty Stadium.
Lydiate, of Abbey-Cwm-Hir, made his international debut in November’s Invesco Perpetual Cup series as a substitute in their 33-16 victory over Argentina.
The 21-year-old’s second cap arrived on November 28 when he was part of the Welsh squad defeated 22-13 by the superior Australians.
Lydiate’s call-up comes in the same week he returned from a hamstring injury for his region.
The youngster will hope to force his way into Gatland’s plans for the England game and build from there.
Many of the Welsh squad will be looking to rebuild confidence and battered reputations following a disappointing Invesco Perpetual Cup.
“We are now at the beginning of our countdown to the world cup and this slightly larger squad reflects that,” said Wales coach, Warren Gatland.
“We have brought in some youngsters to put some pressure on some of our senior players and to help increase the depth we have in certain positions.
“Our first match at Twickenham could set the tone for the Championship for both sides, we will both be desperate to win that first up match.”