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RFL reveal rule changes

The number of substitutions during matches will be reduced from 12 to 10 from next season, the Rugby Football League have announced.

Clubs will still have four players on the replacements bench but coaches will have to make more use of their 17-man squad after RFL chief executive Nigel Wood confirmed the change today.

The move is designed to restore some of the old-fashioned virtues of the rugby league forward. It will mean more work for some and could spell the end for front rowers who have been used in short spells to make an impact from the bench.

It is among a number of rule changes introduced by a committee of past and present players, coaches and administrators with the intention of bringing uniformity across the game.

The 10-from-12 interchange policy is already in use in Australia’s National Rugby League and will now become part of international law.

The changes will apply to all domestic competitions, including Super League and the Championship, and will take effect from Boxing Day, when there are three all-Super League friendlies.

In other notable changes, players in possession who come into contact with the corner flag during general play will no longer be deemed to be in touch and players will be allowed to drop-kick for goal when taking conversion attempts.

In addition, referees will be told be show more leniency to players who carry on playing after failing to hear their shout of “held”. Instead of being penalised, the players will be allowed to go back and play the ball.

“There are three different rules at the moment and it is a matter of tidying them up,” Wood told a media briefing at RFL headquarters in Leeds.

Wood confirmed that the League have abandoned plans for England to tour down under in 2012 and will instead play a series of internationals in the northern hemisphere.

The Four Nations Series, hailed by Wood as an outstanding success this year, has gone into cold storage until 2014 and the RFL’s proposals for a tour have been thwarted by the Australians’ pledge to give their players an extended close season to prepare for the 2013 World Cup in Europe.

Wood said a proposal to play the Pacific nations, such as Fiji and Papua and New Guinea, on a tour proved to be “not practical or economic”.

The news will disappoint England coach Steve McNamara in his attempts to build on the progress made this year, but the RFL say they are close to unveiling a 22-month international programme that will provide the national team with meaningful matches right up to the World Cup in the autumn of 2013.

“The international programme is taking shape,” said Wood, who is hoping the commission that is being formed to run the game in Australia will be less insular when it comes to the world-wide game.

“The RFL’s policy on the primacy of international football is not necessarily shared by everyone around the world.

“The NRL have issues of their own to work through but hopefully the new administration will have a more enlightened attitude.”

Wood said the Australians’ traditional lack of appetite for international game is also hampering attempts to lift the annual World Club Challenge onto a bigger platform.

The RFL boss has not ruled out the possibility of Great Britain being reformed for future tours, but said the League are committed to continuing with the newly-formed England Knights squad which played their first matches this year.

Should be interesting to see how less subs will effect the game, especially when there's a couple of injuries during one game. I like the corner flag change though.

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2012 NRL Player Movements

Last updated: Wednesday, 7 December 2011.

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Brisbane Broncos

Additions Luke Capewell (Titans), Petero Civoniceva (Panthers), Nick Slyney (Cowboys)

Losses Darren Lockyer (retirement), Denan Kemp (rugby union - mid-season move - Dragons), Shea Moylan (Storm), Shane Tronc (retirement), Justin Hunt (Rabbitohs), Nick Kenny (retired)

Signed On Again Justin Hodges, Corey Parker, Anthony Griffin, Dale Copley, Dunamis Lui, Kurt Baptiste, Scott Anderson, Sam Thaiday, Dane Gagai, Josh Hoffman, Josh McGuire

Off Contract Dane Carlaw, Gerard Beale, Rohan Ahern

2012 Coach Anthony Griffin

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Additions Des Hasler (Manly) James Graham (St Helens), Luke MacDougall (Saracens), James Gavett (Warriors)

Losses Jamal Idris (Titans), Michael Hodgson (retiring), Ben Roberts (Eels), Andrew Ryan (retirement), Chris Armit (Panthers), Mickey Paea (English Super League), Aidan Sezer (Titans), Gary Warburton (Celtic Crusaders, ESL), Junior Tia-Kilifi (Panthers), Brad Morrin (retired), Michael Lett (released), Grant Millington (Castleford)

Signed On Again Corey Payne, Steve Turner, Michael Ennis, Ben Barba, Bryson Goodwin, Josh Morris, Tim Browne

Off Contract Heka Nanai.

2012 Coach Des Hasler

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Canberra Raiders

Additions Shaun Berrigan (Warriors)

Losses Alan Tongue (retirement), Josh Miller (Dragons), Daniel Vidot (Dragons), Danny Galea (Panthers), Matt Orford (released)

Signed On Again Joe Picker, Tom Learoyhd Lahrs, Bronson Harrison, Dane Tilse, David Shillington, Shaun Fensom, Glen Buttriss, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson , Matt McIlwick, Sam Williams, Josh McCrone

Off Contract David Milne, James Stuart

2012 Coach David Furner

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Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

Additions Mark Taufua (Knights), Jeff Robson (Eels), Sam Tagataese (Titans - mid season), Bryce Gibbs (Tigers), Andrew Fifita (Tigers), Jon Green (Dragons), Isaac De Gois (Knights), Ben Ross (Rabbitohs), Todd Carney (Roosters)

Losses Luke Douglas (Titans), Kade Snowden (Knights), Taulima Tautai (Eels), Ryan Tongia (Wakefield), Dean Collis (Wakefield), Tim Smith (Wakefield)

Signed On Again Albert Kelly, Stewart Mills, Chad Townsend, Matt Wright, Jayson Bukuya, Ben Pomeroy, John Morris, Paul Gallen, John Williams

Off Contract Paul Aiton, Scott Porter, Stuart Flanagan

2012 Coach Shane Flanagan

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Gold Coast Titans

Additions Jamal Idris (Bulldogs), Luke Douglas (Sharks), Nate Myles (Roosters), Beau Henry (Knights - mid-season), Beau Falloon (Rabbitohs), Beau Champion (Storm), Phil Graham (Roosters), Aidan Sezer (Bulldogs)

Losses Preston Campbell (retirement), Nathan Friend (Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Brad Meyers (retirement - mid-season), Esi Tonga (Eels), Sam Tagataese (Sharks - mid season), Joseph Tomane (ACT Brumbies), Will Matthews (Dragons), Mat Rogers (retirement), Luke Capewell (Broncos), Clinton Toopi (retirement), Shannon Walker (rugby union)

Signed On Again Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Ashley Harrison, Kayne Lawton

Off Contract Jordan Rankin, Riley Brown.

2012 Coach John Cartwright

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Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Additions Ben Farrar (Catalan Dragons)

Losses Des Hasler (Bulldogs) Will Hopoate (Mormon mission), Shane Rodney (Harlequins, Super League), Michael Robertson (London Harlequins)

Signed On Again Brent Kite, Tony Williams, Jamie Buhrer, George Rose, Jason King

Off Contract Joe Galuvao, Terence Seu Seu, Vic Mauro, David Williams, Matt Cross, Liam Foran, Tim Robinson, Dean Whare.

2012 Coach Geoff Toovey

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Melbourne Storm

Additions Ryan Hoffman (Wigan), Jack Afamasaga (Racing Club Lescure Arthes XIII - mid-season), Shea Moylan (Broncos), Jason Ryles (Roosters), Michael Greenfield (Dragons)

Losses Adam Blair (Tigers), Chase Stanley (Dragons), Beau Champion (Titans), Atelea Vea (Dragons), Robbie Rochow (Knights), Troy Thompson (retirement), Adam Woolnough (retirement), Dane Chisholm (Tigers)

Signed On Again Billy Slater, Gareth Widdop, Matt Duffie, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kevin Proctor, Maurice Blair, Bryan Norrie, Sisa Waqa, Rory Kostjaysn

Off Contract Sika Manu, Todd Lowrie, John Kite, Mitch Johnson, Jack Afamasaga.

2012 Coach Craig Bellamy

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Newcastle Knights

Additions Wayne Bennett (Dragons), Kade Snowden (Sharks), Timana Tahu (Panthers), Darius Boyd (Dragons), Robbie Rochow (Storm), Alex McKinnon (Dragons), Danny Buderus (Leeds), Adam Cuthbertson (Dragons), Daine Laurie (Panthers)

Losses Cory Paterson (Cowboys - mid-season), Beau Henry (Titans - mid-season), Keith Lulia (Bradford Bulls), Isaac De Gois (Sharks), Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers), Antonio Kaufusi (Harlequins), Adam MacDougall (retirement), Ben Rogers (retirement), Mark Taufua (Sharks), Steve Southern (Wakefield), Josh Ailaomai (Roosters), Dan Tolar (retirement), Shannon McDonnell (Hull KR), Con Mika (Hull KR)

Signed On Again Wes Naiqama, Kurt Gidley, Matt Hilder, Junior Sa'u, Peter Mata'utia, Kevin Naiqama, Zane Tetevano, Ryan Stig

Off Contract

2012 Coach Wayne Bennett

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North Queensland Cowboys

Additions Cory Paterson (Knights - mid-season move), Kane Linnett (Roosters), Luke Harlen (QLD Residents), Robert Lui (Wests Tigers)

Losses Willie Tonga (Eels), Leeson Ah Mau (Dragons), Will Tupou (Western Force, rugby union)

Signed On Again Matt Bowen, Joel Riethmuller, Tariq Sims, Michael Parker-Walshe, Aaron Payne

Off Contract Isaak Ah Mau, Shannon Gallant, Michael Bani, Clint Amos.

2012 Coach Neil Henry

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Parramatta Eels

Additions Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs), Esi Tonga (Titans), Joseph Paulo (Panthers - mid-season), Willie Tonga (Cowboys), Taulima Tautai (Sharks), Jake Mullany (Tigers), Daniel Penese (Dragons)

Losses Jeff Robson (Sharks), Anthony Mitchell (Roosters - mid-season), Paul Whatuira (retirement), Joel Reddy (Tigers), Carl Webb (retirement), Chris Hicks (retirement), Chris Walker (retirement), Tom Humble (Tigers), Daniel Mortimer (Roosters), Etu Uaisele (Panthers)

Signed On Again Tim Mannah, Matt Keating, Mitchell Allgood, Taniela Lasalo, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Casey McGuire, Peni Terepo, Marmin Barba, Rory Brien, Pat O'Hanlon.

Off Contract Manase Manuoakafoa.

2012 Coach Stephen Kearney

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Penrith Panthers

Additions Ivan Cleary (Warriors), Junior Vaivai - mid-season (Rabbitohs), Cameron Ciraldo (Knights), Chris Armit (Bulldogs), Clint Newton (Hull KR), Danny Galea (Raiders), Ryan Simpkins (Titans), Geoff Daniela (Wests Tigers), Junior Tia-Kilifi (Bulldogs), Etu Uaisele (Eels)

Losses Matthew Elliott (released), Timana Tahu (Knights), Trent Waterhouse (Warrington), Joseph Paulo (Eels - mid-season), Matthew Bell (Tigers), Petero Civoniceva (Broncos), Daine Laurie (released), Adrian Purtell (Bradford), Shane Elford (retirement)

Signed On Again Sandor Earl, David Simmons, Nigel Plum, Nathan Smith, Luke Lewis, Harry Siejka

Off Contract Masada Iosefa, Junior Paulo, Yileen Gordon, Arana Taumata, Michael Worrincy, Tim Winitana.

2012 Coach Ivan Cleary

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St George Illawarra Dragons

Additions Chase Stanley (Storm), Will Matthews (Titans), Jeremy Latimore (Warriors), Leeson Ah Mau (Cowboys), Atelea Vea (Storm), Josh Miller (Raiders), Daniel Vidot (Raiders), Denan Kemp (union/Broncos)

Losses Wayne Bennett (Knights), Darius Boyd (Knights), Jack Bosden (Roosters), Jon Green (Sharks), Mark Gasnier (retirement), Peni Tagive (Roosters), Alex McKinnon (Knights), Daniel Penese (Eels), Adam Cuthbertson (Knights), Michael Greenfield (Storm)

Signed On Again Ben Hornby, Michael Weyman, Jamie Soward, Matt Prior, Trent Merrin, Nathan Fien, Jack De Belin, Bronx Goodwin, Mitch Rein, Jack Stockwell, Jason Nightingale, Kyle Stanley, Dan Hunt, Matt Cooper, David Gower, Jake Marketo, Nick Emmett

Off Contract Reece Simmonds

2012 Coach Steven Price

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Sydney Roosters

Additions Anthony Mitchell (Eels - mid-season), Jack Bosden (Dragons), Peni Tagive (Dragons), Adam Henry (Warriors), Josh Ailaomai (Knights), Daniel Mortimer (Eels), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (NZ union)

Losses Nate Myles (Titans), Mark Riddell (retirement), Daniel Conn (retirement - mid-season), Kane Linnett (Cowboys), Phil Graham (Titans), Todd Carney (Sharks), Anthony Watts (Widnes, UK), Jason Ryles (Storm)

Signed On Again Braith Anasta, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Tom Symonds, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Brad Takairangi, Aiden Guerra, Tinirau Arona, Jake Friend

Off Contract Justin Carney, Willie Mataka.

2012 Coach Brian Smith

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New Zealand Warriors

Additions Nathan Friend (Titans)

Losses Ivan Cleary (Panthers), Lance Hohaia (St Helens), Brett Seymour (Hull FC), Jeremy Latimore (Dragons), Aaron Heremaia (Hull FC), Joel Moon (Salford), Adam Henry (Roosters), Shaun Berrigan (Raiders)

Signed On Again Kevin Locke, Jacob Lillyman, Ukuma Ta'ai, Isaac John, Alehana Mara, Glen Fisiiahi, Sam Rapira, Pita Godinet, Sam Lousi, Sione Lousi, James Maloney

Off Contract

2012 Coach Brian McLennan

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Wests Tigers

Additions Adam Blair (Storm), Joel Reddy (Eels), Matthew Bell (Panthers), John Grant (Eastwood, rugby union), Tom Humble (Eels), Dane Chisholm (Tigers)

Losses Bryce Gibbs (Sharks), Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Mark Flanagan (St Helens), Jake Mullaney (Eels), Todd Payten (retirement), Wade McKinnon (Hull FC), Geoff Daniela (Panthers), Robert Lui (Cowboys)

Signed On Again Chris Lawrence, Tim Sheens, Blake Ayshford, Aaron Woods, Tim Moltzen, Matt Utai

Off Contract Junior Moors, George Ndaira, Mitch Brown.

2012 Coach Tim Sheens

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South Sydney Rabbitohs

Additions Michael Maguire (Wigan), Matt King (Warrington Wolves), Luke Burgess (Leeds - mid-season), Justin Hunt (Redcliffe), Ryan Carr (Redcliffe)

Losses John Lang (retirement), Chris Sandow (Eels), Junior Vaivai - mid-season (Panthers), Shannan McPherson (Super League), Beau Falloon (Titans), Luke Stuart (retirement), Rhys Wesser (retirement), Ben Ross (Sharks)

Signed On Again John Sutton, Nathan Merritt, Issac Luke, Dylan Farrell, Ben Lowe, Chris McQueen, Nathan Peats, Dave Tyrrell

Off Contract Scott Geddes, Malcolm Webster, Shaune Corrigan

2012 Coach Michael Maguire

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  • 3 weeks later...
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Saracens back Owen Farrell is one of nine uncapped players in England's squad for this season's Six Nations.

Farrell headed a clutch of new faces promoted to the 32-man elite squad, while interim head coach Stuart Lancaster discarded a host of veterans.

Also included are Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan and Northampton trio Calum Clark, Phil Dowson and Lee Dickson.

Mike Tindall, Mark Cueto, Nick Easter, Shontayne Hape and Riki Flutey all failed to make the cut.

The retirement of several of the team's stalwarts and a string of injuries forced some changes, while others were always likely following a dismal World Cup campaign that ended in quarter-final defeat to France.

World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson, former skipper Lewis Moody and hooker Steve Thompson all announced their retirements after returning from New Zealand.

Among the short-term injured are fly-half Toby Flood, centre Manu Tuilagi and lock Courtney Lawes, while prop Andrew Sheridan, lock Louis Deacon and scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth are out for the tournament.

Farrell's midfield partner at Saracens, Brad Barritt, also made Lancaster's first squad, as did prop Joe Marler and centre Jordan Turner-Hall (both of Harlequins) and Wasps hooker Rob Webber.

Flankers Tom Wood and Chris Robshaw are widely considered to be vying for the captaincy but Lancaster said he would make that decision nearer the first match, against Scotland at Murrayfield on 4 February.

Four members of the Saxons squad will join the elite squad as temporary injury cover - Bath's Dave Atwood, Saracens full-back Alex Goode, Leicester's Geoff Parling and Gloucester's Henry Trinder, the last three also uncapped.

Lancaster said: "We've picked a side which is exciting, talented and committed to get us back to where we want to be - at the top of the game.

"I've spoken to those not selected and told them the door is not closed.

"But I want to use this Six Nations as an opportunity to develop the next players in those positions and develop a leadership group that is strong and wants to be the best.

"We think it's a tremendous opportunity to build a squad that has potential for now and for the future.

"We trust the players we have selected - a lot have been involved for a while and have been to the World Cup.

"They have been on the cusp of it for a while. Now they deserve their chance after proving themselves in big games for their clubs."

While Lancaster has yet to decide on his captain, he challenged senior players, including Northampton's Wood, Harlequins' Robshaw, Flood and his Leicester half-back partner Ben Youngs, to make their case.

He added: "The most important thing is to get the leadership group right. We need to develop a new group of leaders. From there, natural leaders will emerge."

Farrell began last season playing for Bedford Blues, as part of a dual registration with Saracens, but was given a chance back at his parent club following injuries at fly-half.

He has since emerged as a key figure for Premiership champions Saracens and will now join his coach and father Andy in the England set-up.

With Flood injured for the first two games, Farrell, 20, could form a midfield partnership with Saracens fly-half Charlie Hodgson, although Barritt has made the Sarries number 12 jersey his own this season.

Morgan is included after declaring his allegiance for his native country. The Bristol-born 22-year-old also had the option of playing for Wales after qualifying under the three-year residency rule.

With Danny Care suspended after his drink-driving charge and Wigglesworth among those on the injured list, scrum-half Dickson's inclusion was widely expected after some fine displays in the Aviva Premiership this season.

Dowson, 30, has been on the fringes of the England senior squad for several years now, while his Saints back-row partner Clark, 22, is perhaps the boldest selection.

While back-row James Haskell is unavailable while he enjoys a sabbatical in Japan, Lancaster included Stade Francais lock Tom Palmer as an exception to the Rugby Football Union's stated intention to only pick home-based players.

England's 32-man Elite Player Squad for the Six Nations Championship

Forwards: M Botha (Saracens), C Clark (Northampton Saints), A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), T Croft (Leicester Tigers), L Deacon (Leicester Tigers), P Dowson (Northampton Saints), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), J Marler (Harlequins), L Mears (Bath Rugby), B Morgan (Scarlets), T Palmer (Stade Francais), C Robshaw (Harlequins), M Stevens (Saracens), R Webber (London Wasps), D Wilson (Bath Rugby), T Wood (Northampton Saints).

Backs: C Ashton (Northampton Saints), B Barritt (Saracens), M Brown (Harlequins), L Dickson (Northampton Saints), O Farrell (Saracens), T Flood (Leicester Tigers), B Foden (Northampton Saints), C Hodgson (Saracens), J Simpson (London Wasps), C Sharples (Gloucester Rugby), D Strettle (Saracens), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), J Turner-Hall (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

England Saxons 32-man squad for fixtures against the Ireland Wolfhounds and Scotland A

Forwards: *D Attwood (Bath Rugby), C Brooker (Harlequins), P Doran Jones (Northampton Saints), M Garvey (London Irish), J Gaskell (Sale Sharks), J Gibson (London Irish), J Gray (Harlequins), T Johnson (Exeter Chiefs), J Launchbury (London Wasps), M Mullan (Worcester Warriors), L Narraway (Gloucester Rugby), D Paice (London Irish), *G Parling (Leicester Tigers), G Robson (Harlequins), A Saull (Saracens), H Thomas (Sale Sharks), T Waldrom (Leicester Tigers), N Wood (Gloucester Rugby).

Backs: N Abendanon (Bath Rugby), A Allen (Leicester Tigers), D Armitage (London Irish), M Banahan (Bath Rugby), F Burns (Gloucester Rugby), K Dickson (Harlequins), *A Goode (Saracens), J Joseph (London Irish), R Lamb (Northampton Saints), J May (Gloucester Rugby), U Monye (Harlequins), *H Trinder (Gloucester Rugby), B Twelvetrees (Leicester Tigers), M Young (Leicester Tigers).

*denotes players who are providing temporary injury cover in the elite squad.

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Gavin Henson has been named in a 35-man Wales training squad for the week-long trip to Poland starting on Sunday.

Coach Warren Gatland has selected six uncapped players, including Ospreys pair Ashley Beck and Rhys Webb, and Cardiff Blues wing Harry Robinson.

The other uncapped players are Scarlets trio Liam Williams, Rhodri Jones and Lou Reed.

Sam Warburton will captain a squad that also features France-based Mike Phillips, James Hook and Lee Byrne.

Three players - Craig Mitchell (Exeter), Rhys Gill (Saracens) and Sale Sharks back-row Andy Powell - join the squad from English clubs. But there is no place for Sale's British & Lions scrum-half Dwayne Peel.

The squad will be reduced after Wales return from the Spala ice chambers.

It is Henson's first appearance in a Wales squad since he dislocated his wrist in the World Cup warm-up match against England in August 2011. It meant he failed to make the trip to New Zealand.

The 29-year-old, who has been capped 33 times, has played three times - twice at full-back and once at centre - since joining Cardiff Blues in October 2011.

Despite being included by Wales, the Blues are set to leave Henson out of their match day 23 for their final Heineken Cup Pool game against Racing Metro 92 on Sunday.

Gatland has stuck with the majority of his Rugby World Cup squad, but there is still no room for Stephen Jones, who was omitted from the team that went down 24-18 to Australia in December 2011.

Gill, Beck, Webb and Robinson are the only players in the squad who have not been in the international selectors' plans so far this season.

With Shane Williams having retired from international rugby it paves the way for the likes of Blues' Alex Cuthbert to make a bid for the left wing berth.

Wales begin their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday, 5 February.

"We have had to strike a balance with this squad," said Gatland, who guided Wales to fourth place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"The majority are those players who excelled for Wales during the Rugby World Cup.

"But we are also taking the opportunity to look at one or two youngsters before probably cutting our numbers even further before the start of the RBS SIx Nations.

"We have kept a couple of older heads and we have injuries, with Alun Wyn Jones, Josh Turnbull, Rob McCusker and Luke Charteris all unavailable to us, but the emphasis on development and planning for the future is there for everyone to see.

"These are exciting times for Welsh rugby.

"We showed a huge amount of potential at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and we will be working as hard as humanly possible to ensure that we reach our potential in this year's Six Nations championship."

WALES SQUAD

Backs: Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Rhys Preistland (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Gavin Henson (Cardiff Blues), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), George North (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Harry Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Lee Bryne (Clermont Auvergne)

Forwards: Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Paul James (Ospreys), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Lou Reed (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), Sam Warburton (capt, Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), Andy Powell (Sale Sharks).

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I'm rather looking forward to the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Warrington Wolves game.

Pre-season trial it may be but it's always fun to play teams you don't normally get a chance to play.

Also the first chance any of us Rabbitohs fans will get to see Adam Reynolds in action with the first team(although to be fair, a lot of other young players will get time as well)

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Wolves and Rabbitohs hold joint training session

Warrington Wolves trained alongside the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre at Redfern Oval earlier this week as part of their pre-season training camp sponsored by Emirates.

The teams initially trained separately with the Wolves working agility, speed and fitness, and the Rabbitohs working on ball skills, fitness and defence. The teams then came together in two separate opposed sessions, testing both teams' attacking and defensive set ups.

Around 250 supporters descended on Redfern Oval to watch their heroes train, and prior to training, Warrington players Brett Hodgson and Ben Westwood along with Rabbitohs players Matt King and Nathan Peats spoke with the media about the Return to Redfern match and the joint training session.

Wolves' Ben Westwood said the training camp in Sydney has been great for him and the squad.

"It's been great to come out here and enjoy the good weather while we're training and do some training with a few different people. It's a great experience for us and some of the young guys are getting the chance to see what level they need to play at to play in the first team." He added: "We haven't really talked about the NRL or anything like that (with the Australian players in the Warrington squad). We're just concentrating on our training in the good weather and getting ready for the start of our season."

Fullback Brett Hodgson also said he's enjoying being back in Australia.

"It's great to be back, especially in this weather. It's been a beautiful last couple of days. It's been good fun and we're getting a lot out of this experience and hopefully we continue to do so. We're training very well at the moment but it's a matter of adapting what we can learn and continue to improve on over here to take back to the English conditions. You go back to wet weather footy and you won't be playing in conditions like this, but the skills we learn here can be transferred back there which is a positive." He added: "It will be a big test against South Sydney. The way Michael Maguire has come here and ripped into their pre-season training. I'm sure he's looking for a very solid performance from the Souths boys just as we are from our guys. We want to come here and pit ourselves against a team playing in the best competition in the world. If we go well then that's very positive for us going back into the Super League."

Brett also believes it would be beneficial for other Super League clubs to head to Australia at this time of year to train, but it's a lot easier said than done.

"It's a difficult game to put together and I know Russell Crowe and Simon Moran plus the clubs have worked hard to put it all together. We've also had Emirates put their hand into their pockets to make it all happen and make it possible. There's probably only one or two Super League clubs who would be in a position to do something like this. We're in a very fortunate position that we can. It's a tough prospect but if it can be done in the future then I think it will be very beneficial."

Rabbitohs new signing and former Wolves' star Matt King was excited about the joint training session.

"It's Christmas time all over again for me, to have two sets of great mates here training. It's a very unique situation for myself. It is different (training against your opposition), but I guess we can do that because we won't be competing against each other during the season. We won't be giving away too many secrets but it's a great initiative from both clubs to play this game."

Rabbitohs hooker and Indigenous All Stars team member, Nathan Peats, said he is keen to get on the field in the Rabbitohs' first game of the season.

"I'm looking forward to it. We've had a good pre-season so far, it's been pretty tough, but that's what every NRL Club does so far. We're really looking forward to next weekend's game against Warrington to see where we are. Everyone's pretty pumped and looking forward to it."

Photo and Press Release courtesy of South Sydney Rabbitohs club.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Was quite an enjoyable game. Sure we lost but Warrington were more advanced in their preparations & anyway the point of a trial is getting the team ready for the season to come. In that sense, both Ryan Carr & Adam Reynolds looked pretty good. The halfback spot is Adams for the taking still.

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Dan Parks you knob.

This adequately sums up my feelings. Scotland won't have a better chance to beat England in a long time, but hey, Dan Parks is crap and our players seemingly bottle it every time we get inside the opponents 22. Matters aren't helped when a dodgy ref completely forgets to award us a penalty after a try review that took for ever. Overall, Denton was the only player from either side who can come out feeling like he had a good game. Which is a pretty miserable indictment on the Calcutta Cup.

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