Former prop Adam Jones will act as Wales' scrum consultant for the Six Nations, which starts with the trip to France on Friday.

Adam Jones has backed Warren Gatland to turn Wales’ fortunes around as they head into a Six Nations campaign on the back of 12 successive Test defeats. Opening night could hardly be tougher for Wales – France in Paris on Friday – with Les Bleus welcoming star player Antoine Dupont back to the Six Nations stage following his Olympic sevens gold medal heroics last summer.

England kick-off their Six Nations campaign with a crunch clash against Ireland on Saturday and Red Rose head coach Steve Borthwick is preparing his squad in Girona

Alex Mitchell has been cleared to take part in his side's Six Nations opener against double defending champions Ireland on Saturday.

Scotland have added five players to their Six Nations squad ahead of their opening fixture against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, including Australia-born back row Alexander Masibaka after number eight Josh Bayliss dropped out with a groin injury.

Scotland have turned to Alexander Masibaka as Gregor Townsend has been forced to add five further faces to the squad as they battle a growing injury list.