Francis named in Welsh squad

By Steve Grace
18/10/16

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis has been named in the Welsh squad for the upcoming Autumn internationals.

The 24-year-old tighthead is one of a handful of English-based stars that have today been named by coach Rob Howley.

Bath No.8 Taulupe Faletau has been included despite a knee injury and is one of three wildcard picks under the Welsh Rugby Union's senior player selection policy, along with George North and Jamie Roberts.

That means fly-half Rhys Priestland misses out, but there is a first call-up for Ospreys number 10 Sam Davies. Full-back Leigh Halfpenny returns after a year out injured, while wing Alex Cuthbert is recalled.

There are also returns for props Rhys Gill and Scott Andrews with Scarlets loose-head Rob Evans out injured. Ospreys lock Rory Thornton, 21, is the second uncapped player in the squad along with 23-year-old Davies.

Faletau is not expected back in training by Bath until mid-November, but the back row is boosted by Dan Lydiate's return after the flanker missed the summer tour of New Zealand following shoulder surgery.

"Taulupe is still in his rehab process and has been working closely with Bath," said Howley. "We hope he will be available in the later part of the campaign, but his experience will be vitally important to have around the squad."

Wales open their autumn series against Australia on November 5, but that game falls outside World Rugby's autumn Tests window and means they will be are without their England-based players - including Francis - for that match.

Howley also had to contend with the WRU's senior player selection policy, which means only three of Faletau, North, Roberts and Priestland could be picked as wildcards.

Japan-based lock Dominic Day, Gloucester prop Nicky Thomas and scrum-half Rhodri Williams are the others affected by the rule. However, all other England and France-based players are freely available to Howley, who is deputising for 2017 British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.

After the Australia clash, the Welsh play host to Argentina on Nov 12, Japan (Nov 19) and South Africa (Nov 26).

Wales squad for autumn internationals

Forwards: Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Rhys Gill (Cardiff Blues), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Rory Thornton (Ospreys), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (capt, Cardiff Blues).

Backs: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Scarlets).