Wales Names Squad for November Tests
Coach Warren Gatland has announced a 35-man squad for Wales’ upcoming November Tests against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa. The team will be led by Dewi Lake, who previously captained Wales on their tour of Australia in July and held the co-captaincy at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Experience and Youth Combine
The squad sees the return of several experienced players, including Jac Morgan, Adam Beard, and Ryan Elias, who missed out on the two-Test tour to Australia. Also back in Test reckoning is 33-year-old fly-half Gareth Anscombe, who last played for Wales in their 40-6 World Cup win over Australia in Lyon 13 months ago.
New Faces Emerge
Gatland has named two uncapped players in the squad: lock Freddie Thomas from Gloucester and Scarlets’ wing Blair Murray. Thomas played for England at under-20 level, while Murray is a former New Zealand Schoolboys international.
Recall for Rhodri Williams
Dragons’ scrum-half Rhodri Williams returns to the international fold for the first time in 10 years. The 31-year-old won three caps in 2013 and 2014 but has not been picked since.
Challenge Ahead
Wales have lost their last nine Tests, and if beaten by Fiji in Cardiff on November 10, would equal their longest run of successive losses. However, Gatland remains optimistic, saying, “We feel this is an exciting squad with some experience coming back to join the younger players. We know they are going to work incredibly hard as a group this November.”
Full Squad Announced
The full 35-man Wales squad includes:
Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, James Botham, Ben Carter, Ryan Elias, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (captain), Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Freddie Thomas, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Gareth Anscombe, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer, Mason Grady, Josh Hathaway, Eddie James, Max Llewellyn, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Rhodri Williams, Tomos Williams, Cameron Winnett.
Leave a Reply