Wales include 18-year-old wing Louis Rees-Zammit in Six Nations squad

Louis Rees-Zammit in action for Gloucester Rugby v Montpellier in Heineken Champions Cup Louis Rees-Zammit, left, has been in flying form for Gloucester (Simon Galloway/PA)

Wales boss Wayne Pivac has hailed Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit as "a great finisher" after handing the 18-year-old a Six Nations call-up.

Rees-Zammit, who has scored nine tries in 10 games this season, is among five uncapped players in Pivac's 38-man squad.

He is joined by fellow international rookies Nick Tompkins, Johnny McNicholl, WillGriff John and Will Rowlands as Wales build towards a Six Nations opener against Italy on February 1.

Whether Rees-Zammit makes the starting line-up or bench - he would join an elite club of 18-year-olds to play for Wales like George North and Tom Prydie - remains to be seen.

But Pivac is a fan of his blistering ability that has torn up the Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup this term.

"I am always a great believer that if you are good enough, you are old enough, and he is showing signs he's maturing as a rugby player at a very young age," Pivac said.

"He's got gas, which at the top level of the game you can't beat, and he is a great finisher.

"He's not the finished product, as he knows and we know, but it will be great to get him in the environment and start to work with him."

England are believed to have shown interest in Rees-Zammit, but Pivac dismissed that as having any bearing on his Wales selection.

"Not at all," he added. "You only have to look at his social media page. He's got a big Welsh flag there.

"He's Welsh through and through. Having spoken to him, he's over the moon. He loves playing rugby."

Rees-Zammit is among 10 English-based players in Pivac's group, along with the likes of Saracens centre Tompkins, Sale Sharks prop John and Wasps lock Rowlands.

More Wales Six Nations Rugby News >