Steve Tandy names Wales squad for Autumn Nation Series: Louis Rees-Zammit returns after switch from NFL

Wales open a challenging autumn period with a clash against Argentina on Sunday, November 9, which will be the first meeting between the two since their clash at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Marseille.

Then, after a short turnaround, Wales face Japan (November 15) for the third time this year, with the head-to-head reading 1-1. Next, they face off against New Zealand (November 22) for the first time since 2022, before concluding their Series against the Rugby Championship titleholders on Saturday, November 29.

One of the main talking points from the squad announcement is that Wales have recalled Louis Rees-Zammit, who has not played for Wales in two years.

Jac Morgan will captain the 744-cap squad for the campaign, having been on tour with the British and Irish Lions this summer in Australia. Tomos Williams has also been selected for Wales this autumn.

Second rows Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins return, having missed the two-test series in Japan due to being given a break and elective surgery, respectively.

Tandy has also announced five uncapped players in the 39-man squad, with James Fender, Morgan Morse, Brodie Coghlan, Danny Southworth, and Louie Hennessey.

Jacob Beetham, Rhys Davies, Rio Dyer, Jarrod Evans, Joe Hawkins, Max Llewellyn, Callum Sheedy, and Nick Tompkins are called up to the Wales squad, which has an average age of 26.

Saracens' Rhys Carre is also included following the Professional Rugby Board's confirmation that he is eligible for Wales selection.

On the squad announcement, Tandy said: “It's been really exciting going through the whole process and realising how many good players we've got.

"We've got to the decision of the selection, which we are really happy with. There's a really good mix of some young guys coming in, mixed with some experience as well. But the overall feeling is really exciting and I can't wait to get the boys into camp on Monday.

“When we come in Monday, obviously there's new coaches, it's a new time and there are some new faces in and around the playing group as well.

"So first and foremost, it's about getting us connected and getting us nice and tight in around what we want to be through this Quilter Nations Series, getting clarity on our identity and our game model.”

On the captaincy Tandy added: “Jac was captain for the Six Nations and then Dewi did a brilliant job on the summer tour when Jac was with the Lions.

"I think we've got a couple of really good young leaders coming through, but I feel Jac he's just an amazing player, an amazing human being and I feel he's going to go from strength to strength as a captain for our nation and also been underpinned by some young leaders like Dewi (Lake) and Daf Jenkins.”