Statement: Warren Gatland includes two uncapped players in his Wales squad for the Autumn
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Shock inclusions, surprise recalls, and a mission to build depth: Gatland’s Wales squad has it all!
Warren Gatland is ringing the changes for Wales’ autumn series with some fresh faces and a couple of eyebrow-raising recalls.]
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New Kids on the Block
Two uncapped players have made the cut for the 35-man squad—Scarlets wing Blair Murray and Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas. Murray, born in New Zealand, qualifies for Wales thanks to his Welsh mother, while Thomas, despite representing England at U18 and U20 levels, has switched allegiance through his Welsh grandparents.
A 10-Year Wait Ends!
One of the biggest surprises? A shock recall for Rhodri Williams. The 31-year-old Dragons scrum-half last donned the Welsh jersey over a decade ago, but Gatland has decided now is the time to bring him back into the fold.
Familiar Faces Return
Fans will also be pleased to see some more familiar names back in the mix. Gareth Anscombe, Nicky Smith, and Tomos Williams return after missing recent international action, bringing some much-needed experience to the squad.
Building Depth, Preparing for Battle
Wales’ autumn series kicks off with a mouthwatering clash against Fiji on 10 November in Cardiff, followed by fixtures against Australia and reigning world champions South Africa. Gatland's eyes are firmly on the future, though, with an emphasis on building depth across the squad.
Aaron Wainwright, one of only three players with 50 caps, has been included despite not playing this season due to injury.
"This is an exciting squad with some key experience coming back to join the younger players,” said Gatland. “We’re trying to build depth and competition in the squad and we’re starting to see that, especially when you consider the players still to come back.”
Wales squad
Forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Ben Carter, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Gareth Anscombe, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Max Llewellyn, Eddie James, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Blair Murray, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.
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