Wales have included wing Louis Rees-Zammit and previously ineligible prop Rhys Carre in coach Steve Tandy’s squad for the Autumn Series matches next month, but lock Will Rowlands has announced his international retirement.
Rees-Zammit is back in rugby union this year after leaving the code to try his hand at American Football and has been drafted straight into Tandy’s plans for games against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Carre has been deemed eligible to feature by the Professional Rugby Board despite playing for Saracens in England and not meeting the 25-cap requirement for overseas-based players.
Flanker Jac Morgan is captain in a squad including five uncapped players in hooker Brodie Coghlan, second row James Fender, back row Morgan Morse, prop Danny Southworth and centre Louie Hennessey.
Rowlands, 34, announced his retirement from the team shortly before the squad announcement having played 41 times since 2020.
"There’s a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well," Tandy said. "But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can’t wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.
"When we come in Monday, obviously there’s new coaches, it’s a new time and there are some new faces in and around the playing group as well.
"So first and foremost, it’s about getting us connected and getting us nice and tight in around what we want to be through this Quilter Nations Series, getting clarity on our identity and our game model."
Wales kick off their autumn campaign on November 9 against Argentina having ended an 18-game losing streak with victory over Japan in July.
Wales squad:
Forwards (22): Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan,
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