Wales have called up uncapped Bridgend hooker Gareth Williams to the squad preparing for next Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy in Rome.

Leinster will begin the defence of their Celtic League title with a group game against Welsh side Pontypridd in Donnybrook this evening.

IRISH provinces have been tipped to dominate the Celtic League season ahead of today’s kick-off, with last year’s finalists Leinster and Munster installed as joint 5/2 favourites by British bookmaker William Hill.

Llanelli captain Scott Quinnell has vowed that his Scarlets will take it one step at a time in their pursuit of an unprecedented trophy treble.