NEWPORT Gwent Dragons wing Ashton Hewitt has received his first Wales call-up after being named in the squad for the Six Nations.

The 22-year-old from Newport has been selected by coach Rob Howley along with regional teammate Cory Hill, while Alun Wyn Jones is named as captain instead of Sam Warburton.

Hewitt has been in dazzling form for the Dragons since returning from a shoulder injury with five tries in 12 appearances.

He is one of seven uncapped players in the 36-man squad, getting the call along with back row forwards Olly Cracknell (Ospreys) and Thomas Young (Wasps), fly-half Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers), wing/centre Steffan Evans (Scarlets), lock Rory Thornton (Ospreys) and scrum-half Aled Davies (Scarlets).

Hewitt, Evans and Alex Cuthbert will attempt to put the heat on the established back three of Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and George North.

Hill is rewarded for his fine November when winning caps against Australia, Japan and South Africa. He will battle Jones, Luke Charteris, Thornton and the in-form Jake Ball for a spot in the matchday squad when Wales take on Italy on opening weekend.

“I believe we have named an exciting and experienced squad for what is going to be a thrilling RBS 6 Nations Championship,” said Howley.

“It’s an honour to select Alun Wyn as captain.  His vast experience, as a player and a leader will help drive this squad forward and I believe he will flourish in the role.

“Sam (Warburton) has led Wales more times than any other captain and had great success in the role, however we want him to concentrate on his game and to be the best player he can be.  “We had conversations during and since the autumn with Sam, no player is guaranteed their place in an international team and we want Sam to be playing his very best rugby and he agrees this is the best way forward.

“There is a flavour of freshness too in the squad, with seven uncapped players deserving their opportunity and it will be exciting to see how they perform in the international set-up.”

Wales squad - 2017 RBS 6 Nations
Forwards:
Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues) (13 Caps)
Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (7 Caps)
Rob Evans (Scarlets) (12 Caps)
Rhodri Jones (Ospreys) (14 Caps)
Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (17 Caps)
Samson Lee (Scarlets) (29 Caps)
Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues) (3 Caps)
Ken Owens (Scarlets) (45 Caps)
Scott Baldwin (Ospreys (28 Caps)
Jake Ball (Scarlets) (21 Caps)
Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (105 Caps)
Rory Thornton (Ospreys) (Uncapped)
Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby) (71 Caps)
Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons) (3 Caps)
James King (Ospreys) (10 Caps)
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (46 Caps)
Olly Cracknell (Ospreys) (Uncapped)
Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby) (12 Caps)
Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby) (62 Caps) *
Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) (69 Caps)
Thomas Young (Wasps) (Uncapped)
 
Backs:
Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (21 Caps)
Rhys Webb (Ospreys) (23 Caps)
Aled Davies (Scarlets) (Uncapped)
Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (51 Caps)
Sam Davies (Ospreys) (3 Caps)
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) (Uncapped)
Jamie Roberts (Harlequins) (86 Caps) *
Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (59 Caps)
Scott Williams (Scarlets) (41 Caps)
Ashton Hewitt (Newport Gwent Dragons) (Uncapped)
Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues) (44 Caps)
Steffan Evans (Scarlets) (Uncapped)
George North (Northampton Saints) (65 Caps) *
Liam Williams (Scarlets) (38 Caps)
Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (66 Caps)