Wales, Scotland name end of year squads

Tue, Oct 24, 2017, 9:47 PM
AAP
by AAP
Warren Gatland has named his Wales squad. Photo: Getty Images
Warren Gatland has named his Wales squad. Photo: Getty Images

New Zealand-born centre Hadleigh Parkes is one of five uncapped players in Welsh coach Warren Gatland's 36-man squad for Tests against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Georgia.

The 30-year-old will only become available to represent Wales under the three-year residency rule in time for the final Test on December 2 against the Springboks.

"I'm really excited about this squad as we kick off the two-year countdown to the 2019 Rugby World Cup," Gatland said on Tuesday in a statement.

"We see this series as an opportunity to expose some players to the Test environment and continue to build our game as we look ahead to (the World Cup in) two years time."

Jamie Roberts scored the match-sealer. Photo: Getty ImagesGatland also recalled five-eighth Rhys Priestland who has made a strong start to the season with his English club Bath.

Several regulars were left out including experienced centre Jamie Roberts and lock Luke Charteris. Flanker Ross Moriarty and prop Gethin Jenkins are injured.

"The important message for those players who have missed out: the door isn't closed," Gatland added.

Meanwhile, Scotland have named 10 uncapped players in a bigger than expected 36-man squad for November rugby internationals against Australia and New Zealand.

Coach Gregor Townsend on Tuesday took the chance to blood new talent for Tests next month against Samoa, the All Blacks and Wallabies at Murrayfield after injuries had reduced his options.

Leicester Tigers back-rower Luke Hamilton, a former Wales under-20 player, is included with Sale's 28-year-old winger Byron McGuigan, who is joint top try-scorer in this season's English Premiership.

But there is no place for Edinburgh back-rowers John Hardie and Magnus Bradbury, who are both suspended by their club for disciplinary reasons.

Byron McGuigan is one of Scotland's uncapped inclusions. Photo: Getty ImagesHamilton, 25, whose father is Scottish, is one of three new players included through family connections, along with Edinburgh's London-born prop Darryl Marfo whose mother is Scottish.

"The players selected have worked exceptionally hard at their clubs to earn inclusion in the national squad and we're looking forward to working with them throughout the autumn series," Townsend said.

"We're facing two of the world's top-three sides after a significant challenge from Samoa in our opening game. It will be an excellent challenge for our players."

Scotland have been hit by injuries to 10 players, including captain Greig Laidlaw and Fraser Brown.

Fullback Stuart Hogg and winger Tommy Seymour return having missed the summer tour on Lions duty.

Squad

Wales end-of-year squad

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones, Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Leon Brown, Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Elliot Dee, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard, Cory Hill, Justin Tipuric, Sam Cross, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Aled Davies, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Rhys Priestland, Owen Williams, Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan, Alex Cuthbert, Steffan Evans, Hallam Amos, Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny.

Scotland end-of-year squad

Forwards: Simon Berghan, Jamie Bhatti, John Barclay, Scott Cummings, Cornell du Preez, Zander Fagerson, Ross Ford, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Rob Harley, Luke Hamilton, Darryl Marfo, Stuart McInally, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Tim Swinson, Ben Toolis, George Turner, Ryan Wilson, Hamish Watson.

Backs: Phil Burleigh, Alex Dunbar, Dougie Fife, Nathan Fowles, Chris Harris, Nick Grigg, Stuart Hogg, Peter Horne, Ruaridh Jackson, Lee Jones, Huw Jones, Byron McGuigan, Ali Price, Henry Pyrgos, Finn Russell, Tommy Seymour.

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