Two uncapped and one shock return in Wales Autumn Internationals squad

After ten years since his last appearance for Wales, Dragon’s stalwart Rhodri Williams returns to Warren Gatland’s 35-man Autumn Series squad. 

Former England U18s, U20s, and now Gloucester Rugby player Freddie Thomas switches to Wales as he qualifies through his Grandparents’ Welsh heritage. The other uncapped player is Scarlets Rugby player Blair Murray, who helped his side to a historic 23-22 win over the Vodacom Bulls last Friday. The 23-year-old, who was born in New Zealand, qualifies through his mother, who is from Tonyrefail. 

Some other noticeable recalls are Leicester Tigers’, Nicky Smith, in-form Max Llewellyn, Gareth Anscombe and Tomos Williams all return from international absences. Aaron Wainwright, who is set to make his first appearance of the season on Saturday in Galway for the Dragons, has also been included. On the other hand, some noticeable absentees are the 2024 Six Nations captain Dafydd Jenkins, Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams and Elliot Dee miss out due to injuries.  

Dewi Lake continues to wear the captain armband despite the return of Wales’s World Cup captain, Jac Morgan who missed several games through injury. Second-row partnership of Adam Beard and Will Rowlands both return after missing Wales’ summer tour to Australia.  

Wales begin the Autumn Series against Fiji, Sunday November 10 (KO: 13:40), before facing Australia and the 2024 Rugby Championship winners South Africa. 

Wales Autumn Squad: 

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake (C), Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Henry Thomas, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Will Rowlands, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Ellis Bevan, Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Sam Costelow, Ben Thomas, Eddie James, Max Llewellyn, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.