Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins on Tuesday praised his club centre partnership of Leigh Davies and Matthew Watkins following their Wales Six Nations squad selection.

Scarlets captain Davies is back in Wales contention some 15 months after he last won Test honours, while 24-year-old Watkins features for the first time.

Watkins and Pontypridd fly-half Ceri Sweeney are the only uncapped players in a 31-man squad announced by Wales chief Steve Hansen.

"It is a credit to the boys themselves that they have had this recognition," said Jenkins, preparing for tonight's Welsh Premiership clash between Llanelli and Cardiff at Stradey Park.

"Matthew Watkins took a decision to leave Newport a year ago to see if he could develop himself, and it has proved to be a good move for him.

"His call-up is a just reward for his efforts and progress, while Leigh Davies has worked hard to overcome a knee problem.

"Leigh has had surgery and is now resurrecting his career. He has been a star for us in Europe this season, and I am sure he can make all the difference to Steve Hansen's Welsh side."

Wales face a tricky Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday week, followed by England at the Millennium Stadium seven days later, and Hansen's preparations have already been hit through several injury setbacks.

Three hookers - Robin McBryde (foot), Barry Williams (broken jaw) and Andrew Lewis (back) - are among seven players who may play no part in this season's championship.

The squad will be increased to 32 when Hansen decides on a second hooker to join Pontypridd's Mefin Davies.

Candidates include Bath forward and ex-Wales captain Jonathan Humphreys, uncapped pair Gareth Williams (Bridgend) and Matthew Rees (Pontypridd), or Neath prop Duncan Jones - whose adaptability to switch front-row roles is currently being assessed.

Jenkins, Pontypridd centre Sonny Parker, Newport's Andy Marinos and Bridgend back Dafydd James are Hansen's other main injury absentees.

Llanelli, Cardiff and Pontypridd provide the bulk of Hansen's squad. But three Zurich Premiership clubs are also represented - by Bath pair Gareth Cooper and Gavin Thomas, Saracens centre Tom Shanklin and Northampton lock Steve Williams.

Hansen will announce his starting line-up next week, with at least two changes guaranteed from the side beaten 43-17 by New Zealand because both Parker and McBryde are injured.

Wales have a 100% record from nine starts against Italy, including two victories in Rome - 31-22 (1996) and 33-23 (2001).