By Paul Jones

Scarlets back-rower Taine Plumtree has been drafted into Wales’ Six Nations squad as they prepare for their crucial clash against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

His call-up follows ongoing injury concerns for Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin, who both sustained injuries in Wales’ 43-0 defeat to France in Paris.

Plumtree, who has six international caps, will link up with the squad at their training base in the south of France before they travel to Rome.

He was initially left out of the squad, despite featuring in the autumn.

The 24-year-old provides additional cover in the back row, particularly with Wainwright recovering from a suspected broken cheekbone and Taulupe Faletau still sidelined with a knee injury.

Wales have Six Nations number eight injury concerns with Aaron Wainwright waiting on results of scans for a suspected broken cheekbone suffered in the 43-0 hammering by France #BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/ZmCL8XveA6

— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) February 1, 2025

Wainwright was forced off the field just minutes into Friday’s match, prompting a reshuffle that saw Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell come on, with James Botham shifting to number eight.

Meanwhile, Watkin, who left the Stade de France on crutches, is undergoing further assessments for a potential anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which could sideline him for the rest of the season.

Joining Plumtree in the squad is Sale Sharks prop WillGriff John, who has recovered from a head injury and re-enters the Wales setup in Nice.

However, no additional centre cover has been brought in, meaning Wales will rely on existing options such as Nick Tompkins, Ben Thomas, Eddie James, and Joe Roberts.

Despite speculation, there has been no call-up for Gloucester duo Max Llewellyn or Gareth Anscombe.

Warren Gatland’s side will be desperate to end their 13-match losing streak when they take on Italy, aiming to secure a much-needed victory in Rome.