Wales coach Warren Gatland and new captain Ken Owens have named the young guns in the squad who have the potential to become breakout stars.
This year's Six Nations holds unknown prospects for Wales following an underwhelming 2022, which comprised particularly upsetting defeats to Italy and Georgia. But with Gatland's return to the helm as Wayne Pivac's replacement and a raft of young talent emerging, there's also plenty of cause for excitement.
"I'm looking forward to working with all those uncapped players," Gatland told Mirror Sport at the Guinness Six Nations launch when asked if he envisioned any debutants in particular receiving greater opportunities. "Obviously someone like Mason Grady has come onto the scene as a young, talented player with some high reps around him, and there's some real competition in that midfield, which is good."
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Cardiff centre Grady has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arms Park despite making his debut for the club back in November 2020. The 20-year-old—younger brother of former Wales international Cory Allen— has competition in the likes of Ospreys duo Joe Hawkins (one cap) and Keiran Williams (uncapped), but the scope is there to earn a spot as deputy to the likes of George North and Nick Tompkins.
"Also there's a message to some of the players who have missed out on the squad that just because you missed out, [it] doesn't mean you're out of contention going forward," added Gatland. "Someone like [two-time British and Irish Lions tourist] Jonathan Davies, who's been playing really well for Scarlets in recent weeks."
The 59-year-old went on to stress his desire for balance "over the next 10 months or so," hinting at the need to test certain less experienced individuals in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup in September. Another player fitting that criteria has caught Owens' eye following some inspiring performances in the Premiership of late.
"Dafydd Jenkins," came the captain's reply when asked whom the 'rising star' of the current squad is. "He's a young second row coming through in a really tough league in that second row position. He came in during the autumn and made an impression in the week he was in.
"Got his first cap, and I think he's been outstanding for Exeter. Going to South Africa and putting a big performance in out there against a team like the Bulls and consistently being one of their star performers at a young age. And obviously captaining the side as well, he's a huge talent."
Bridgend native Jenkins proved the old adage true that age is just a number when he led Exeter for their league clash against London Irish at just 19 in November. The lock earned his first senior Wales cap just a week later, albeit in that crushing autumn defeat at home to Georgia.
Despite their combined age adding up to a little more than one Alun Wyn Jones (37), both Grady and Jenkins may prove just the tip of the spear as part of a wave of fresh Welsh talent. And the timing couldn't be better, with the team desperate to turn a fresh leaf during a tumultuous period for the players and coaches alike.
Getting underway on February 4, Round 1 of GUINNESS SIX NATIONS 2023 will see Wales host Ireland in the first head-to-head of the series, before England host their Scottish rivals in a battle for the Calcutta Cup.
