Wales head coach Warren Gatland admitted he is "well aware" his job is on the line after naming his squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

Wales endured a torrid 2024, losing all 11 of their Test matches, making them just the second men’s Tier 1 nation to have lost 100% of their games in a calendar year in the professional era, alongside Italy in 2020 (eight).

Despite coming under severe pressure for the run of results, Gatland remains in charge for the Six Nations despite winning just six of his 24 Tests during his second spell with the team.

Wales have opted to name two uncapped players in their 34-man party for the tournament, with fly-half Dan Edwards, one of only two options in his position, and wing Ellis Mee both named in the squad.

Gareth Anscombe has been dropped, with other notable absentees including Max Llewellyn, Rio Dyer, Cameron Winnett and Taine Plumtree.

Gatland also has numerous injuries to cope with, as captain Dewi Lake, Sam Costelow, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Archie Griffin, Mason Grady and Sam Costelow are all unavailable. Jac Morgan will captain the side in Lake’s absence.

With experienced trio Josh Adams, Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau recalled to the squad to mix with the fresh faces, Gatland knows he needs results from the side to extend his stay.

𝘾𝙔𝙃𝙊𝙀𝘿𝘿𝙄𝘼𝘿 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙁𝘼𝙉

Here is your -man squad for our 2025 @SixNationsRugby campaign #WelshRugby | #GuinnessM6N
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 13, 2025

Asked if his job was on the line, Gatland said: "Absolutely, yeah. You know, there's been a lot of discussions and debate about that.

"I'm pretty well aware of the situation that we're in as a group of coaches, and we've just got to go out there and work hard and look to show improvements and perform.

"Probably playing France first up is not a bad thing for us to do," he said. "They tend to take a little bit of time to get going in a Six Nations.

"So, getting them first up, and hopefully we can replicate what happened in 2019 [Wales won 24-19 in Paris]. Hopefully, we can get off to a good start."

Wales begin their Six Nations campaign at France on January 31.

Wales Six Nations squad:

Forwards: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Kemsley Mathias, Keiron Assiratti, Henry Thomas, WillGriff John, Elliot Dee, Evan Lloyd, Sam Parry, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Aaron Wainwright, Taulupe Faletau, Jac Morgan (captain), Tommy Reffell.

Backs: Tomos Williams, Ellis Bevan, Rhodri Williams, Ben Thomas, Dan Edwards, Eddie James, Nick Tompkins, Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin, Tom Rogers, Josh Hathaway, Ellis Mee, Blair Murray, Josh Adams, Liam Williams.