Uncapped Dragons centre Aneurin Owen and scrum-half Che Hope have been included in Wales' squad for the Nations Championship. Head coach Steve Tandy has selected a 39-strong group for the November Tests, with hooker Dewi Lake named as captain.
Tandy has also called up Dragons lock Seb Davies and Cardiff number eight Taine Basham for the first time since taking charge of the national side. Cardiff loose-head prop Rhys Barratt, who played in the summer fixture against the Barbarians, is the third uncapped player in the squad, while Dragons wing Rio Dyer earns a recall.
Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell and fit-again number eight Taulupe Faletau are among the notable absentees. Reffell misses out with a knee injury and will target a return for Tigers after the tournament. Wales face Japan, New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff and finish against a southern hemisphere opponent on finals weekend at Twickenham.
Owen, a 26-year-old from Newport, was part of the Wales squad in the summer of 2021 but did not feature in the Tests against Canada or Argentina. He gets his chance in the absence of injured Cardiff centre Ben Thomas. Tandy praised his consistency in training, communication and attitude, saying he "thoroughly deserves his opportunity." Hope, 23, joins the squad for his first taste of international camp.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing