And 24-year-old Williams is now set to be on the bench as back-up for Mefin Davies at Stadio Flaminio.

Hansen watched Williams play for his club in their Principality Cup clash against Newbridge on Saturday and his call-up was confirmed this morning.

Hansen had been looking at three other players – Bath’s experienced Jonathan Humphreys, Pontypridd’s Matthew Rees and Neath’s front-row forward Duncan Jones, who is normally a prop but has recently had a couple of outings at hooker for his club.

“Gareth is very good at the lineouts, and is very mobile,” Hansen said.

Rees will train with the squad this week but it is Williams who can now look forward to securing a place in Wales’ match-day 22.

The hooking situation underlines just how badly Wales have been hit by injuries for what is potentially a tricky encounter.

Hansen’s resources have also been stretched behind the scrum, with fly-half Stephen Jones and centre Sonny Parker among those who are currently sidelined.

Hansen will name his starting line-up on Thursday but it looks as though former Leeds rugby league star Iestyn Harris could be handed the pivotal number 10 role in Jones’ absence.

Injuries to Parker and his fellow centre Jamie Robinson also mean that Hansen must revise the formation of his midfield.

And it would appear that he could decide on a partnership of Saracens’ Tom Shanklin and experienced Swansea player Mark Taylor.