Veteran loose forward Colin Charvis has been recalled to the Wales squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship - just five months after his career seemed over.

Charvis, the former Wales captain, won the last of his 84 Test caps in the 18-18 draw with Italy at the Millennium Stadium in March.

The 34-year-old appeared close to retirement in the summer after being released by Guinness Premiership club Newcastle.

But a move to the Newport-Gwent Dragons has given Charvis a new lease of life and that outstanding form has been rewarded with a place in Wales' 33-man squad.

The door opened for Charvis and uncapped Cardiff flanker Scott Morgan after Jonathan Thomas and Ian Evans both suffered shoulder injuries.

Gloucester hooker Mefin Davies, who played in the 2005 Grand Slam campaign, and Bath number eight Gareth Delve also return to the fold.

Cardiff winger Chris Czekaj and centre Jamie Robinson have been included following injuries to Mark Jones (ankle), Lee Byrne (knee) and Sonny Parker (groin).

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins explained: "We have brought Colin back into the fold at the age of 34 and his performances at regional level justify his selection in the light of the injury problems we have in his position.

"There are a number of players who have not been considered in our initial thinking due to injuries and lack of game time.

"Ian Evans and Jonathan Thomas have both been out of contention for the Ospreys with shoulder problems and Dafydd Jones is just returning for the (Llanelli) Scarlets.

"Their absence has paved the way for Colin's return. His high level of experience is an added bonus and the same applies to Mefin.

"We are fortunate to be in a position to be able to turn to someone of Mefin's level of experience."

Cardiff lock Robert Sidoli is also included as he returns from shoulder surgery while Ospreys second row Brent Cockbain is back after missing the autumn campaign through suspension.

But the loss of Evans and the absence of Michael Owen means Jenkins will use Morgan and the similarly versatile Alun Wyn Jones as second-row cover.

"Scott has played himself into contention with some sterling performances for the Blues as a middle line-out jumper mostly from the number six position, but our squad make-up means we will be looking for him to give us options at lock," said Jenkins.

"The same applies to Alun Wyn Jones who we will now probably look at exclusively as a second row.

"Gareth Delve also returns after impressing us all on the summer tour of Argentina, with injury keeping him out of our plans during the autumn.

"In the backs Mark Jones, Lee Byrne and Sonny Parker have all suffered injuries, which is a blow for us, but the door is not closed on this squad.

"Any player who can get himself fighting fit again will be monitored throughout the tournament."

Wales open their campaign at home to pre-tournament favourites Ireland on February 4th and Jenkins said: "I can't think of a better way to start our campaign.

"Ireland are very much the team to beat this year, they will come to us as firm favourites and it's probably the toughest start to the year we could have been given.

"But that's how you measure yourselves and if we can get off to a good start against Ireland then we have a chance to lay down a marker for ourselves for the gruelling season ahead."

Wales Squad:

Backs: K Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), G Henson (Ospreys), C Czekaj (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse), J Robinson (Cardiff Blues), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), G Evans (Llanelli Scarlets), J Hook (Ospreys), H Luscombe (Harlequins), S Jones (Llanelli Scarlets, captain), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), G Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons), M Phillips (Cardiff Blues)

Forwards: G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), D Jones (Ospreys), A Jones (Ospreys), C Horsman (Worcester), R Thomas (Cardif Blues), M Davies (Gloucester), M Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), I Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), B Cockbain (Ospreys), R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), S Morgan (Cardiff Blues), AW Jones (Ospreys), R Jones (Ospreys), A Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), C Charvis (Newport Gwent Dragons), G Delve (Bath).