New Wales coach Warren Gatland later stated that Peel would be an exception to his desired policy to select players from those playing for Welsh clubs, but on 19 January 2009 it was announced that Peel would not be part of the Welsh squad for the 2009 Six Nations Championship. Peel was subsequently called into the squad, however, as cover for injured Gareth Cooper and on 8 February 2009 played in the second half of Wales' opening match against Scotland.