Wales: Experienced trio return to the squad for Autumn Nations Series but injured Dan Biggar misses out
Wales have been boosted by the return of three key players for their upcoming Autumn Nations Series campaign.
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, flanker Justin Tipuric and hooker Ken Owens have all been brought back into the squad, more than a year after they last played for the country.
All three have struggled with injury, which meant they missed the 2021 November Tests, the 2022 Six Nations and the mid-year tour to South Africa.
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: “It’s great to have Ken, Justin and Leigh back after long-term injuries. They are three great players who have served Wales very well. They are all British and Irish Lions so quality players.
“We’re excited to have them in the squad for obvious reasons. We have a number of young players in this squad so it will be great for them to rub shoulders with these experienced ones.”
Northampton Saints fly-half Dan Biggar misses out due to injury and he is joined on the sidelines by Wyn Jones, Taine Basham, Josh Navidi and Liam Williams.
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Five newbies
Pivac has selected five uncapped players with Scarlets trio Dane Blacker, Josh Macleod and Sam Costelow included alongside Ospreys starlet Joe Hawkins and Dragons speedster Rio Dyer.
“There’s a lot of young players we’ve been keeping an eye on for a number of years through the age group system and now playing club rugby,” the head coach said.
“There’s a view of the here and now in this squad but also beyond Rugby World Cup 2023 to the tournament in 2027, so there’s some young guys getting the opportunity to taste the camp environment. They may or may not get game time, but it will be a great experience for them.
“Dane Blacker has been playing well at nine for the Scarlets. We know a lot about Gareth (Davies) it’s not the end of the road for Gareth, I’ve spoken to him.
“Sam Costelow is another young player at the Scarlets playing well and having come through the age grade system. Joe Hawkins is the same, he captained the U20s so he’s a player for the future.
“Rio Dyer came into camp ahead of the South Africa Test Series to help the squad prepare and performed well. He’s currently playing really well for the Dragons.
“Josh Macleod is an interesting one. He’s been selected in a couple of camps before. Unfortunately he was injured before coming in playing for the Scarlets, then we actually named him to play in a Six Nations game against Scotland and he ruptured his Achilles in training which was devastating for him.
“He’s a guy that’s been on our radar for some time and to get him into the squad and have another look at him, we’re excited for Josh.”
In Biggar’s absence no captain has currently been named, with Pivac adding: “For us it’s about finalising the squad today and then we’ll look closely at who’s going to lead the side.
“We have quite a few options with a lot of experience in the squad now. There’s probably an opportunity for more than one captain in this series.”
Wales start their Autumn Nations Series campaign against the All Blacks before taking on Argentina, Georgia and Australia.
Wales’ 35-man squad for the end-of-year Tests
Forwards: Rhodri Jones, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Sam Wainwright, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Alun Wyn Jones, Will Rowlands, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Josh MacLeod, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Justin Tipuric, Christ Tshiunza
Backs: Dane Blacker, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Sam Costelow, Rhys Priestland, Joe Hawkins, George North, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert, Rio Dyer, Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees-Zammit