Wales release nine

Wales have released nine players back to their regional teams as they prepare for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy in Rome.

The list includes Scarlets flanker Aaron Shingler, who was on bench duty when Wales beat France in Paris.

Shingler is joined by his Scarlets colleagues Matthew Rees, Josh Turnbull and Tavis Knoyle, while Scott Andrews, Josh Navidi and Andries Pretorius return to Cardiff Blues and Ryan Bevington and James King head back to the Ospreys.

The Blues and Ospreys are both in RaboDirect PRO 12 action on Friday night, hosting Connacht and Edinburgh, respectively, with the Scarlets visiting Leinster on Saturday.