Wales' disappointing Autumn Nations Series is very much in the rear view mirror and the focus will swiftly turn towards the Six Nations.

The Welsh Rugby Union board are meeting today to discuss Warren Gatland's future but there are unlikely to be any major coaching changes before the Championship begins with a daunting clash at the Stade de France on January 31. With that in mind the Wales coaches will be closely monitoring the festive derbies and there are a number of players who have a chance of forcing their way back into Gatland's squad.

Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas takes a look at a handful of players who could be dark horses for a Six Nations squad place.

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James Fender

The 23-year-old has only recently returned from a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining an arm injury last January. But prior to his injury Fender was very much on the radar of the Wales coaching team.

At 6ft 7in Fender has the size to play Test rugby and made a big impression for the Ospreys last season. Fender is a good lineout forward with a high work rate who has a nice blend of athleticism and physicality.

The fit-again Dafydd Jenkins is a shoo-in for the Six Nations squad, while Will Rowlands is also a likely pick despite being out of sorts during the autumn. Gloucester's Freddie Thomas and Teddy Williams are also strong contenders but Adam Beard and Ben Carter are currently sidelined.

If Fender impresses over the Christmas period he will at the very least enter the conversation.

Josh Macleod

If the 28-year-old hadn't suffered such rotten luck with injuries he would most certainly have won more than two caps for his country. Macleod has been outstanding for the Scarlets this season and has always had the raw materials to become a Test player.

The Scarlets captain is a natural leader who is very good at the breakdown at winning turnovers and slowing down opposition ball. He is also relentless in defence and offers himself as a carrier.

Unfortunately for Macleod, if there is one area of strength in Welsh rugby it is the number seven jersey, with Jac Morgan and Tommy Reffell nailed on for the squad, while James Botham impressed in a disappointing campaign for Wales. But if injuries do occur Macleod is a serious contender to force his way into the squad.

Dan Edwards

The Ospreys are going through a very tough time at the moment but the 21-year-old has still shone like a beacon. Edwards exudes confidence and is a genuine triple-threat player.

The former Wales U20s star is a threat with ball in hand, while his passing game puts other players into space. His kicking out of hand and at goal is also top notch.

Like any young outside-half Edwards is a work in progress but his game management is generally good for a man of his age. Gatland has shown faith in Sam Costelow of late, Ben Thomas is also an option at 10 and Gareth Anscombe needs to be in the squad for his experience.

But it is almost certainly a case of when not if Edwards wears the cherished red number 10 shirt. A couple of standout performances in the festive derbies could force Gatland's hand.

Huw Anderson

The 20-year-old was called into train with Wales during the autumn and has been identified as an international player of the future. Anderson was outstanding for the Dragons in their 22-14 Challenge Cup victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park over the weekend.

Anderson ran in a sensational try from 70 metres out in the 60th minute of an entertaining encounter to fire the Dragons to victory. The Wales U20s star has real x-factor with his footwork, pace and offloading too much for Newcastle to deal with.

There is no need to rush Anderson but it's not out of the question Gatland calls him into the wider Six Nations squad.

Jacob Beetham

The 23-year-old won his first cap against South Africa last summer and toured Australia with Wales so is very much on Gatland's radar. But Beetham has been plagued with a number of injuries and has only made one start for Cardiff this season in their Challenge Cup defeat to Lyon recently.

Beetham is a very intelligent footballer who can play across the back-three and in midfield with Gatland even touting the prospect of the Brecon product moving to outside-half. His ceiling is very high and his versatility makes him a useful squad player.

But the most important thing for Beetham is staying fit and getting a run of games under his belt. If he can do that then he's a serious contender for the Six Nations squad.