Rugby stars Jonathan Thomas, Jonathan Davies, Tom Shanklin and Deiniol Jones — all with local connections — are delighted to have gained selection for Wales’ forthcoming 2010 Six Nations Championship.

Scarlets’ centre Jonathan Davies grabbed two tries in his side’s brilliant 31-22 Heineken Cup victory over London Irish on Sunday afternoon.

Davies has really caught the eye and played extremely well during the autumn series. His name is surely already pencilled in for the number 12 shirt as Wales face England at Twickenham in the opening international on Saturday, February 6th.

Ospreys’ Jonathan Thomas won his 50th cap in the autumn series and he’ll obviously be gunning to add to that tally.

Blues’ lock Deiniol Jones has worked hard to get his name back in the frame after missing out in the autumn. Jones is relishing the prospect of wearing the jersey for Wales again.

Wales have selected a 35-man squad and coach Warren Gatland has picked four uncapped players.

Young Ospreys backs Tom Prydie and Kristian Phillips join Blues scrum half Richie Rees and Saracens prop Rhys Gill as the latest additions to the national cause.

Some key players also return to bolster Wales. Ospreys’ full-back Lee Byrne and team-mate prop Adam Jones return to the fray after picking up injuries on the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in the summer, plus lock Ian Gough adds his considerable experience.

Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees is also back after picking up an injury on the Lions tour.

The Ospreys (14) and the Blues (13) make up the bulk of the squad, which is again led by 2008 Grand Slam captain, Ryan Jones.

The surprise omission is of scrum half Dwayne Peel who is unavailable through injury.

Although not named, British and Irish Lions star Mike Phillips is close to regaining fitness and could be drafted in to the squad at the latter stages of the championship.

“We are now at the beginning of our countdown to the world cup and this slightly larger squad reflects that,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“We have brought in some youngsters to put some pressure on some of our senior players and to help increase the depth we have in certain positions.

“Kristian is a good example of an exciting young player. He has just won the Principality player of the month award and scored five tries in one match for Neath — he is skilful and very quick.

“Elsewhere we are very happy to welcome back the likes of Adam (Jones) and Lee (Byrne) who were both obviously missed in the autumn, although at full-back in particular a certain James Hook provided more than ample cover.

“Our first match at Twickenham could set the tone for the Championship for both sides, as we will both be desperate to win that first up match.

“We then go to the Millennium Stadium for two home matches and the support we have there will make a huge difference to us.”

Wales Squad: BLUES: Gareth Cooper, Bradley Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom James, Gethin Jenkins, Deiniol Jones, Andy Powell, Richard Rees, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Sam Warburton, Gareth Williams, Martyn Williams.

OSPREYS: Huw Bennett, Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop, Lee Byrne, Ian Gough, James Hook, Paul James, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Kristian Phillips, Tom Prydie, Jonathan Thomas, Shane Williams.

SCARLETS: Jonathan Davies, Stephen Jones, Matthew Rees, Martin Roberts.

DRAGONS: Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate.

SALE: Eifion Lewis-Roberts.

SARACENS: Rhys Gill.