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Wales Squad Announced for Autumn Nations Series, Including Return of Louis Rees-Zammit

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Wales have unveiled their 39-man squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, with new head coach Steve Tandy including six uncapped players in the selection. The team will face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa in the four November Tests in Cardiff. Notably, the squad features the return of winger Louis Rees-Zammit, who has rejoined from the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars after a two-year absence from international rugby.

Tandy praised Rees-Zammit, stating that he is a "special athlete" with a "special mindset" for trying new things. Rees-Zammit had joined the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL before signing with Bristol Bears in August. He has not played competitive rugby for over two years and has been out of the game since January 2024.

Tandy's first Wales squad features five uncapped players: Ospreys' James Fender and Morgan Morse, Dragons' Brodie Coghlan, Cardiff's Danny Southworth, and Bath's Louie Hennessey. Jac Morgan returns to captain the side, and Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins also return after missing the summer tour to Japan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wales' 39-man squad for the Autumn Nations Series includes six uncapped players: James Fender, Morgan Morse, Brodie Coghlan, Danny Southworth, Louie Hennessey, and James Fender.
  • Louis Rees-Zammit, who played in the NFL, is back in the Wales squad after a two-year absence from international rugby.
  • Rees-Zammit had joined the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL before signing with Bristol Bears in August.
  • Head coach Steve Tandy described Rees-Zammit as a "special athlete" with a "special mindset" for trying new things.
  • Jac Morgan returns as captain, and Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins also return after missing the summer tour to Japan.
  • The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with 26 players over 30 and 13 under 25.
  • Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam confirmed that winger Max Pepper will be sidelined for six to eight weeks, while full-back Rich Lane will not return until after surgery.
  • The squad selection pool has been topped up with Jack Bates and Josh Carrington after both passed their Return to Play Protocols.
  • Wales' medical team are pleased with Louis Rees-Zammit's rehabilitation progress, with an expectation that he will be available for the game against Argentina on November 9.

Statistics:

  • Wales' squad features 26 players over 30 and 13 under 25.
  • The team will face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa in the four November Tests in Cardiff.
  • Louis Rees-Zammit has not played competitive rugby for over two years and has been out of the game since January 2024.
  • The squad includes six uncapped players: James Fender, Morgan Morse, Brodie Coghlan, Danny Southworth, Louie Hennessey, and James Fender.
  • Jac Morgan returns as captain, and Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins also return after missing the summer tour to Japan.

Sources:

  • Press ASSOCIATION
  • Bristol Bears

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