Ten players from last year's successful season remain in the group, with Gareth Thomas, Jordan Williams and Sam Davies, who were all involved in some capacity last season also set to return to the squad, injury permitting, at some point in the RBS 6 Nations.

The likes of fly-half Rhys Patchell, who has impressed for the Cardiff Blues this season and was considered by many to be in contention for the senior squad, and Dragons flanker Ieuan Jones are both included.

Wales kick off the tournament against Ireland on Friday February 1 and Wilson has warned his side that they will need to be at their very best when the action gets underway.

“It’s exciting to see a good spread of players with experience from last season and those who are new to this level of rugby,” he said.

“As a coaching group, we have undertaken a more thorough process this season and between us have seen a lot of Regional and Premiership rugby, both live and on video and have had a good look at all the players in contention.

“We also have slightly more preparation time as a squad this year so hopefully we will be raring to go come February 1.

“Ireland had a good Six Nations and Junior World Championship so we won’t under-estimate the task ahead but having said that we have a good platform to build on.

"To finish the Junior World Championship as third in the world and beating New Zealand certainly gave us confidence but one of the biggest lessons we learned last season was that you have to take things step by step.

"It’s a progression towards the pinnacle of the season which is the Junior World Championship but it all starts here.”