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Cardiff - Welsh flanker Martyn Williams, who has won 98 caps and featured on three British and Irish Lions tours, faced the end of his international career on Sunday after being axed for the Six Nations.
The 35-year-old made his debut in 1996 and was just two matches shy of becoming only the second Welsh player, after former skipper Gareth Thomas, to reach the magical 100-cap mark.
But with coach Warren Gatland keen to give youth a chance, and with one eye on the World Cup later this year, Williams was a shock absentee from the 28-man squad which kicks-off the Six Nations on February 4 at the Millennium Stadium.
Williams' Cardiff Blues teammate Sam Warburton and 20-year-old Scarlets forward Josh Turnbull are Gatland's preferred openside options.
Turnbull is one of five uncapped players in the squad along with Scarlets back Rhys Priestland, front-row forwards Ryan Bevington and Scott Andrews, plus back-rower Toby Faletau.
Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees has retained the captaincy while fit-again wingers Shane Williams, his country's record try-scorers, and Leigh Halfpenny, full-back Lee Byrne and centres Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies were also included.
Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel is also recalled after missing out on the November internationals with the suspended Richie Rees making way.
Dan Biggar, Tom James, Aled Brew, Tom Prydie, Huw Bennett and Ian Gough miss out as do injured props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, centre Tom Shanklin and wing George North.
"We have deliberately kept the squad as small as possible and have reverted back largely to the philosophy we had during the Grand Slam year in 2008," said Gatland.
"It's a boost to have one or two players back from injury in the backline with Shane (Williams) and Lee (Byrne) both doubts at one stage and Leigh (Halfpenny) and Jamie (Roberts) returning after being unavailable in the Autumn, there's an exciting look about the backs.
"Up front, it's well documented that we have lost a couple of players in the front row, but that gives opportunities to others to put their hands up and we are pleased with the options we have got in the pack.
"The forwards have been going pretty well and we have decided to give a couple of youngsters a chance this tournament but that doesn't mean there is no way back for those who have missed out.
"It all starts against England at the Millennium Stadium in a fortnight and they don't come much bigger than that.
"We have a pretty good record against them in recent years and enjoy playing against them, especially at the Millennium Stadium and it is a game that could really set the tone for the season ahead for both sides and in a World Cup year that's all that needs to be said."
Wales Six Nations squad:
Backs: Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Dwayne Peel (Sale/ENG), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), James Hook (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Lee Byrne (Ospreys)
Forwards: Paul James (Ospreys), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets, capt), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Andy Powell (Wasps), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Dan Lydiate (Dragons)
