Williams dropped by Wales from Six Nations squad
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Martyn Williams, the 98-cap veteran of the Wales pack whose intelligent back-row performances earned him three Lions tours and established him as one of the most effective flankers in international rugby as well as one of the most popular, was last night dropped from the Red Dragon squad for the Six Nations Championship. The 35-year-old Cardiff Blues forward, who learned last week that he would not be offered a new club contract at the end of the season, has lost out to the fast-emerging Scarlets breakaway Josh Turnbull.
Warren Gatland, the national coach, named a 28-man party featuring another exciting Scarlets talent, the versatile playmaker Rhys Priestland, among the uncapped contingent. In response to the front-row problems caused by injuries to the Lions Test props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, the little-known Ryan Bevington and Scott Andrews feature, as does Craig Mitchell, the man deputising for Jones at Ospreys.
The back-line resources have been bolstered by the returns of two more Ospreys players, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne, along with the Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts, who missed the whole of the autumn series. Matthew Rees, the Scarlets hooker, will lead the side.
Full squad, Digest, page 18
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments