ROSS Moriarty is fit for Wales' Six Nations opener against France on Friday – and forwards coach Robin McBryde has no fears about flinging the Dragons back rower straight into the XV after seven weeks on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old hasn't played since suffering a concussion in the Rodney Parade region's loss to Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel Michelin on December 15.

Nonetheless, Moriarty was named in the Six Nations squad by Wales boss Warren Gatland and has returned to full training in time to be in contention to win his 27th cap in Paris.

The number eight is likely to slot into the XV for the tournament opener with flankers Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi the leading candidates to be his back row partners and Dragons teammate Aaron Wainwright pushing for a Six Nations debut.

Moriarty has made just eight appearances for his region this season but featured in three of Wales' November Tests and is a key figure in the absence of Lions star, and former Rodney Parade favourite, Taulupe Faletau.

"We have taken a few knocks in the back row, but to have someone of Ross' standing is great," said McBryde. "He is on the back of a good campaign in the autumn.

"He's dynamic and he is still developing as a young player. He is good to have because he never takes a step back. To have someone of Ross' ability is a massive asset for us.

"Ross definitely won't take a step back and you want people like that in your team."

Wales have no worries about his lack of game time and point to last year's tournament, when he played against Scotland, England and Ireland despite only featuring five times throughout former club Gloucester's entire campaign because of a back injury suffered in the opening game of the Lions' tour.

When asked about the risk of putting him straight back into the XV, McBryde replied: "There are certain players who can and certain players who can't, Ross is a player that doesn't need a lot of game time under his belt to get going.

"He always keeps himself in good shape and with the return to play protocols after a head injury it's a steady, gradual thing and once you are passed fit you can really crank things up."

Wales headed into camp with a number of injury fears but the only players that are unavailable for the opener at the Stade de France are Scarlets full-back Leigh Halfpenny (concussion), Ospreys centre Scott Williams (injury not disclosed), Scarlets fly-half Rhys Patchell (hamstring) and Dragons tighthead Leon Brown (broken thumb).

Scrum-half Gareth Davies (thigh) and full-back/wing Liam Williams (finger) have been given the green light while McBryde now faces a tough call as to who partners Alun Wyn Jones in the second row, with Dragons captain Cory Hill and Adam Beard over shoulder and neck problems respectively.

That decision is key ahead of the tussle with a hefty French pack.

"The focus is on making sure we start with a big performance against France," said McBryde.

"They are big men, physical, they are going to be hugely passionate because they are playing their first game at home.

"We've got to be ready for that, and we are doing as much as we can on the training field.

"It was good to welcome quite a few faces back, especially from a forwards point of view. I was able to put two packs (against each other) and have a really healthy session."

Wales name their team at 11am on Wednesday with five Dragons hoping to feature - Moriarty, Wainwright, Hill, hooker Elliot Dee and wing/full-back Hallam Amos.

Brown still has his right hand in a cast because of a broken thumb and could be released for regional duty when the Dragons return to Guinness PRO14 action at Edinburgh on Friday, February 15 as that is a rest week in the Six Nations.