Cardiff: Cardiff Blues wing Tom James will end his five-year Wales exile in Sunday’s Six Nations game against Ireland in Dublin after being named in the team announced on Wednesday.
James, 28, last played for Wales in late 2010, but will win his 10th cap on the wing after impressing head coach Warren Gatland with his club form this season.
Blues full-back Gareth Anscombe, Scarlets prop Rob Evans and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric also start, while captain Sam Warburton moves to blindside flanker and centre Jonathan Davies returns after a knee injury.
“We are excited by the make-up of the squad. It’s very experienced along with one eye looking to the future,” said Gatland in a press release.
Fact box: the Welsh team
Wales team (15-1) announced on Wednesday for Sunday’s Six Nations game against Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium (7pm UAE time):
Gareth Anscombe; George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Tom James; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (capt); Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris; Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Rob Evans
Replacements: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Dan Lydiate, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Alex Cuthbert
