Williams, Edwards boost Wales' bid

CARDIFF, Wales -- Wales have received a double boost ahead of rugby's Six Nations next month, with flanker Martyn Williams cutting short his international retirement and Shaun Edwards signing on as part-time defense coach until January 2010.

Williams, 32, stood down just three months ago after Wales were knocked out in the group stages of the World Cup but will now have the chance to add to his 76 caps after being named in a 28-man squad for the Six Nations to be led by Ryan Jones.

New coach Warren Gatland persuaded the Cardiff Blues opensider to reconsider his decision given Wales' lack of depth in the position.

"We have had to mix the short-term and the long-term view and Martyn in particular is covering a specialist position," Gatland said. "I talked to him this weekend and told him we wanted to select him, and he took a couple of days to think it over.

"We have some good youngsters coming through, but the likes of Robin Sowden-Taylor are only going to benefit from having Martyn Williams around at the moment. We feel he still has a lot to offer and we are delighted he has accepted the invitation to play for his country again."

Prop Gethin Jenkins captained Wales in the one-off Test defeat by South Africa in November, but Jones has been given the armband after returning to fitness following a shoulder injury which forced him to miss the World Cup.

"He is back, fit again and playing well. His ability is unquestionable on the pitch and he has the necessary experience to fill the captaincy role," Gatland said.

"The likes of Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel will also be important leaders for us, but the competition for places in their positions probably ruled them out of that particular race at this time."

Notable omissions from the squad are veteran back-rower Colin Charvis and full-back Morgan Stoddart, who made a try-scoring debut against the Springboks.

The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed Edwards' appointment on Monday, after reaching an agreement over a release contract with English club Wasps, where he is head coach.

Former Wasps and Wales scrum-half Rob Howley was also named as Gatland's assistant.

Howley will split his time with the Cardiff Blues, where he is currently backs coach, until May and then take up a full-time post through to the 2011 World Cup.

Forwards coach Robin McBryde and kicking specialist Neil Jenkins are the only coaches to retain their positions following Wales' disappointing World Cup campaign.

Former Wasps boss Gatland said: "I am delighted that we have been able to recruit individuals with the talents and skills of Rob and Shaun. I have also been very impressed by the input of Robin and Neil and I am now satisfied I have the right team in place to go forward with confidence.

"There has been lots of speculation about the arrival of Shaun -- and I have made no secret of my admiration for him as a player, a coach and a loyal friend. He is an inspirational character, and I know the squad players will get to know and respect him very quickly. E-mail to a friend

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