Injury-hit Wales call on Jones and Delve

LLANELLI wing Mark Jones and Bath flanker Gareth Delve were yesterday included in Wales’ 30-man squad ahead of their RBS 6 Nations Championship title defence.

Jones has been impressive for the Scarlets since overcoming a second knee reconstruction.

Jones joins Delve, Matthew Rees and Barry Davies as newcomers to the squad which featured during the November internationals.

Wales go into their title defence - starting against England at Twickenham on February 4 - rocked by injury and unavailability.

Lions trio Ryan Jones, Brent Cockbain and Tom Shanklin are out for the entire championship, as are Kevin Morgan and Luke Charteris.

Gavin Henson is unavailable for the opening three games while he serves a seven-week ban, and Sonny Parker announced his international retirement.

But the recovery of Delve is an obvious plus for Wales.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock said: “He has been doing a lot of good ball-handling for Bath and gives them a lot going forward, and hopefully if and when he gets an opportunity with us he will give us a lot of go forward as well.”