Ben Flower: Wigan Warriors prop back in Wales RL squad

Wigan prop Ben Flower has been included in Wales' 24-man squad for the European Championship.

Flower is in the Wales squad for the first time since serving a six-month ban for punching St Helens' Lance Hohaia in the 2014 Grand Final.

The 27-year-old has been appointed vice-captain with Lloyd White skipper.

John Kear's squad also features uncapped Jamie Murphy, Courtney Davies, Regan Grace and Morgan Knowles.

In a change to the original squad, South Wales Scorpions hooker Connor Farrer has replaced St Helens player Matty Fozard, who has broken his jaw in a training incident.

Wales have also added Coventry Bears prop James Geurtjens to their options.

Wales begin their European Championship campaign at home to Scotland in Wrexham on Friday, 16 October and host France at Cardiff Arms Park on 30 October.

The campaign ends with an away game in Ireland on 7 November.

Wales have rested the number six shirt for the Championship out of respect for former international Danny Jones, who died from a heart problem after collapsing in May.

Jones will be remembered in a testimonial game played between his former club Keighley Cougars and Wales on Sunday 25 October at Cougar Park.

Wales RL squad: Daniel Fleming (Bradford Bulls), Michael Channing (Castleford Tigers), Dalton Grant (Dewsbury Rams), Courtney Davies, Jamie Murphy, Steve Parry, Lewis Reece (all Gloucestershire All Golds), Craig Kopzcak (Huddersfield Giants), Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (both London Broncos), Matty Barron, Ricky Hough (both Newcastle Thunder), Joe Burke, Rob Massam, Christiaan Roets (all North Wales Crusaders), Ollie Olds (South's Logan Magpies, Australia), Regan Grace, Morgan Knowles, Anthony Walker (all St Helens), Phil Joseph, Lloyd White (both Widnes Vikings), Ben Flower, Rhodri Lloyd (both Wigan Warriors), Connor Farrer (South Wales Scorpions), James Geurtjens (Coventry Bears).