Uncapped Dragons backs Owen and Hope called up by Wales

Wales have named uncapped Dragons centre Aneurin Owen and scrum-half Che Hope in a 39-player squad for the November Nations Championship Tests. Hooker Dewi Lake will captain the team, with matches against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff before Wales play a southern-hemisphere opponent at finals weekend at Twickenham. [1]

Owen, 26, was previously included in a Wales squad in 2021 but did not play. He joins five other midfield options after Cardiff centre Ben Thomas was ruled out through injury. Hope, 23, is called into an international camp for the first time, with Kieran Hardy facing a lengthy absence after a knee injury.

Cardiff number eight Taine Basham and Dragons lock Seb Davies return to the squad for the first time since Steve Tandy took charge as Wales head coach. Uncapped Cardiff prop Rhys Barratt, who played against the Barbarians in the summer, is also included.

Dragons wing Rio Dyer and Leicester back Gabriel Hamer-Webb return. Dyer has 24 caps; his last appearance was against South Africa in November. There is no place for Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell or Scarlets wing Macs Page. Fit-again number eight Taulupe Faletau is also omitted, despite making his first appearance of the season for Cardiff on Sunday.

The squad includes 14 players from English clubs, as well as Montpellier lock Adam Beard. Cardiff and Scarlets each supply seven players, Dragons six and Ospreys four. Tandy said he wanted to give opportunities to players in strong club form, alongside welcoming back those unavailable for the summer Tests. [1]