Davies lone new Welsh cap
Leigh Halfpenny, Scott Williams and Rhys Webb are notable omissions from the squad as the trio have been ruled out through injury.
Meanwhile, there was no place in the squad for James Hook – a player coach Warren Gatland has long doubted – suggesting the gifted utility back's international career could be at an end. In total, the squad features 31 survivors from last year's World Cup, where Wales reached the quarter-finals before losing to South Africa at Twickenham.
Scrumhalf Mike Phillips retired from the Test arena after the World Cup, with Davies one of three scrumhalves chosen by Gatland in his Six Nations squad along with Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams.
"Aled [Davies] is someone who has been on the radar the last couple of years, and his selection is reward for his form," Gatland explained.
Hook and Gloucester team-mate Richard Hibbard, were both omitted after failing to gain selection in Gatland's original World Cup squad – although Hook was subsequently included as an injury replacement.
Back row forward Sam Warburton will again captain a side that features several dynamic forwards, notably No.8 Taulupe Faletau and lock Alun-Wyn Jones, whose just signed a new national dual contract with the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union.
"We have selected a squad that rewards players' form as well as picking a lot of experience, and that continuity is important to us. We have picked a larger squad than normal. We have a few injuries at the moment. Those players aren't too far away from getting back on the field, so we are happy with the mix.
"Tom [James] is playing very well for the Blues and we have been impressed with Josh's performances recently. It is always exciting when the Six Nations comes around and we are looking forward to meeting up next Monday," he added.
Wales, who finished third in last season's Six Nations, begin the 2016 Championship away to reigning champions Ireland in Dublin on February 7.
Wales' Six Nations squad:
Forwards: Rob Evans, Paul James, Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Aaron Jarvis, Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Jake Ball, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Dominic Day, Alun-Wyn Jones, Josh Turnbull Taulupe Faletau, James King, Dan Lydiate, Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (captain).
Backs: Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Lloyd Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland, Cory Allen, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Roberts, Hallam Amos, Alex Cuthbert, Tom James, George North, Gareth Anscombe, Matthew Morgan, Liam Williams.
Agence France-Presse
