Wales coach Warren Gatland has managed to coax influential flanker Martyn Williams out of retirement and into his 28-man squad for the 2008 Six Nations.
Williams had announced he was finished with international rugby immediately after the World Cup in France but was encouraged to rethink his decision by the new coach who was determined to secure the services of the experienced backrower.
The 32-year-old won 76 caps before quitting after Wales' early departure from France.
"Martin took a little bit of persuading but thankfully we convinced him of the positive environment and type of rugby we will play," Gatland said.
"We've got some good young players around but I thought there was a hole for an experienced number seven to help bring on those young players.
"We have had to mix the short-term and the long-term view and Martyn in particular is covering a specialist position.
"We feel he still has a lot to offer and we are delighted he has accepted the invitation to play for his country again."
Wales have retained 20 members of the squad that played under Gareth Jenkins in the World Cup, but there are recalls for Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne and Gareth Delve.
Gatland has named another flanker, Ryan Jones, as captain for the tournament, which begins for Wales against England at Twickenham on February 2nd. They face Ireland in Croke Park on the March 8th.
Jones, 26, has played less than four games of regional rugby for the Ospreys since recovering from a second shoulder reconstruction operation in two years.
"It took less than five seconds for me to accept the invitation, captaining your country is the greatest honour any players could receive," Jones said.
"I've felt 10-foot tall since Warren asked me. I've fitted back into a successful Ospreys side and the more games I get the better I feel. I don't think I'm far away from being 100 per cent."
Cardiff Blues youngster Jamie Roberts is the only uncapped player named in the squad. Roberts, 21, has impressed during the Blues' Heineken Cup campaign and was picked ahead of veteran fullbacks Gareth Thomas and Kevin Morgan.
Squad
Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff), Tom James (Cardiff), Mark Jones (Llanelli), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), James Hook (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Llanelli), Dwayne Peel (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester).
Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Llanelli), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Martyn Williams (Cardiff), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff), Gareth Delve (Gloucester), Alix Popham (Llanelli), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, captain).
