Autumn Nations Series 2021: 38-man-squad revealed

Credit: PA

Wayne Pivac has announced his 38-man-squad for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Series.

Wales will face the the top three ranked teams in the world in this year's series - New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

They will also play against Fiji, who they will face, along with Australia in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The head coach has named eight experienced 2021 British & Irish Lions in his squad including Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Alun Wyn Jones, Adam Beard, Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar, Louis Rees-Zammit and Liam Williams.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones will become the most capped international player in history if he makes an appearance during the series.

Two uncapped players have also made the squad - WillGriff John from the Scarlets and Christ Tshiunza who plays for Exeter Chiefs.

One of the most notable inclusions is Wasps player Thomas Young. The 60 cap rule means that Young has been unable to add to his three caps, but Pivac has been given special dispensation to pick him because he will be joining Cardiff next season.

Cardiff Rugby’s Rhys Priestland also returns to the squad for the first time since making his last international appearance, against New Zealand, in November 2017.

Priestland returns to the Welsh squad for the first time since November 2017

The first match of the series will be against New Zealand on October 30th, but because the game will be played outside the international window, seven players won't be available for selection.

They include Christ Tshiunza, Thomas Young, Talupe Faletau, Dan Biggar, Callum Sheedy, Nick Tompkins and Louis Rees-Zammit.

“We understand that the opening game against the All Blacks is outside of the international window but I believe that we all need this game, after what has been a particularly difficult time for everyone because of the global pandemic,” said Pivac.

Louis Rees-Zammit is one of seven players that won't be available for the New Zealand game

“It will be fantastic to play in front of a capacity crowd once again, with a number of these players getting to experience that for the first time.

Pivac described the selection process as "one of the most difficult" he's had to make.

He explained: “This has been one of the most difficult selections I’ve had to make with less rugby than would have normally taken place ahead of a campaign in addition to injuries and player unavailability.

“When you look at selection you want to select in-form players but it’s fair to say that a number of players haven’t hit their top form. We have looked at past performances at this level, including a very successful Six Nations campaign, and we’ve cross-credit some of that information into current form if you like.

“Injuries in certain positions, particularly at openside, have forced us to look a little bit deeper than we would normally but what it does mean is that more players have an opportunity to be exposed to this level of rugby. This can only be a good thing as we continue our preparations for the 2023 World Cup.”

North and Navidi will miss out due to injuries Credit: PA

George North, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi, Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Lydiate, James Botham and Josh Macleod were unavailable for selection due to injuries.

All games will be played at home at the Principality Stadium.

Wales' Autumn Nations Series Fixtures

  • Wales v New Zealand, October 30th, 5.15pm

  • Wales v South Africa, November 6th, 5.30pm

  • Wales v Fiji, November 14th, 3.15pm

  • Wales v Australia, November 20th, 5.30pm