Wales identify squad for Autumn Nations Collection as Dewi Lake retains captaincy | Rugby Union Information

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Wales boss Warren Gatland has named two uncapped gamers in a 35-strong squad for the Autumn Nations Collection with Dewi Lake retaining the captaincy.

New Zealand-born Scarlets wing Blair Murray – he qualifies for Wales through his mom – and Gloucester’s former England U20 lock Freddie Thomas have each made the squad forward of video games in opposition to Fiji, Australia and South Africa in November.

Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams, who has not performed for Wales since 2014, is recalled together with the likes of Leicester prop Nicky Smith, Gloucester backs Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn, plus Scarlets again Tom Rogers.

Ospreys hooker Lake, in the meantime, retains the captaincy after main Wales on tour to Australia this summer time.

Adam Beard, Ryan Elias, Jac Morgan, Will Rowlands, Henry Thomas and Tomos Williams return to the squad having missed the Exams in Australia on account of harm or being rested.

Damage absentees, in the meantime, embody wing Josh Adams, lock Dafydd Jenkins, hooker Elliot Dee and No 8 Taulupe Faletau.

Wales kick off their autumn marketing campaign in opposition to Fiji on November 10, adopted by an appointment with the Wallabies seven days later after which world champions South Africa on November 23.

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Sam Warburton mentioned he was ‘happy’ regardless of Wales’ slim 36-28 defeat to Australia as he noticed loads of positives that present indicators of encouragement for this youthful squad.

Gatland mentioned: “The coaches and I can’t wait to get started for this Autumn Nations Series and having the players back in camp next Monday to begin preparations for our first game against Fiji.

“We really feel that is an thrilling squad with some expertise coming again to hitch the youthful gamers. We all know they will work extremely arduous as a gaggle this November.

“We have three very different opposition in Fiji, Australia and South Africa, but are looking forward to the challenges that each will pose.”

On the captaincy, Gatland added: “I thought Dewi did a really good job with the captaincy over the summer, so we’ve decided for him to continue in the role this autumn.”

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Dewi Lake reduces the deficit for Wales in opposition to South Africa after powering over the strive line from shut vary.

Wales’ 35-player squad:

Forwards: Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Ospreys), James Botham (Cardiff), Ben Carter (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Archie Griffin (Tub), Dewi Lake (Ospreys), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Henry Thomas (Scarlets), Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)

Backs: Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Josh Hathaway (Gloucester), Eddie James (Scarlets), Max Llewellyn (Gloucester), Blair Murray, Tom Rogers (each Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Rhodri Williams (Dragons), Tomos Williams (Gloucester), Cameron Winnett (Cardiff). (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape City; Enhancing by Christian RAdnedge)

Autumn Internationals: Fixtures and UK kick-off occasions

Saturday November 2

3.10pm England vs New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium

5.40pm Scotland vs Fiji, Murrayfield

Friday November 8

8.10pm – Eire vs New Zealand, Aviva Stadium

Saturday November 9

3.10pm England vs Australia, Twickenham

5.40pm Italy vs Argentina, TBC

8.10pm France vs Japan, Stade de France

Sunday November 10

1.40pm – Wales vs Fiji, Principality Stadium

4.10pm Scotland vs South Africa, Murrayfield

Friday November 15

8.10pm – Eire vs Argentina, Aviva Stadium

Saturday November 16

3.10pm Scotland vs Portugal, Murrayfield

5.40pm England vs South Africa, Twickenham

8.10pm France vs New Zealand, Stade de France

Sunday November 17

1.40pm – Italy vs Georgia, TBC

4.10pm – Wales vs Australia, Principality Stadium

Friday November 22

8.10pm France vs Argentina, Stade de France

Saturday November 23

3.10pm – Eire vs Fiji, Aviva Stadium

5.40pm – Wales vs South Africa, Principality Stadium

8.10pm – Italy vs New Zealand, TBC

Sunday November 24

1.40pm Scotland vs Australia, Murrayfield

4.10pm England vs Japan, Twickenham

Saturday November 30

3.10pm – Eire vs Australia, Aviva Stadium

Watch each sport of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, together with all three Check matches in opposition to the Wallabies, solely dwell on Sky Sports activities. Additionally stream with NOW.

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