Uncapped duo Rhys Carre and Owen Lane have been included in a 42-man Wales squad that will begin preparations for this year’s World Cup.
Besides the inclusion of Carre and Lane, Wales coach Warren Gatland has placed his faith in Aaron Shingler, Taulupe Faletau and Josh Navidi, who are all still recovering from injuries but should be fit before the tournament.
‘We have been really impressed with Rhys and with Owen,’ Galtand commented. ‘They have both been on our succession plan for a while, and it will be good to have them in camp with us and to see what they are able to do.’
Meanwhile, James Davies is recalled after injury, while Ospreys lock Bradley Davies is another who makes it into the squad despite an injury-disrupted season.
Gatland will settle on his final 31-man squad around the beginning of September, with their first game against Georgia on 23 September.
Wales squad
Forwards: Leon Brown (Dragons), Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Nicky Smith (Ospreys) , Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), James Davies (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Bath), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs: Aled Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints), Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Ospreys), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Steff Evans (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), Owen Lane (Cardiff Blues), George North (Ospreys), Jonah Holmes (Leicester Tigers), Liam Williams (Saracens).
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix
