Uncapped Jonah Holmes named in Wales' autumn international squad

Uncapped Leicester Tigers wing Jonah Holmes has been named in Wales squad for the upcoming autumn internationals.

The 26-year-old, who qualifies to play for Wales through his grandparents has been in prolific form for the English Premiership after scoring 10 tries from 11 appearances since joining them in 2017.

Apart from Holmes, Ospreys wing Luke Morgan is also called-up in the 37-man squad after scoring four tries from five games for his club this season.

Centres Jonathan Davies and Tyler Morgan along with prop Leon Brown return back after injuries while Alun Wyn Jones has returned back as captain after he was rested for the summer series. Jones returns along with Justin Tipuric, George North and Liam Williams.

"The two uncapped players in Luke and Jonah are both form, back-three players and we are looking forward to seeing them in this environment and seeing what they can do," said head coach Warren Gatland.

"This autumn is the start of a 12-month countdown to the Rug by World Cup and it is a huge opportunity for the players.

"The players who performed and represented Wales so well in the summer deserve the opportunity again and we are really pleased with the depth we have built across the squad.

"We have added in a lot of experience with eight British and Irish Lions coming into the squad so there is a lot of competition for places.

"Some experienced players have missed out, the message to them is the door isn't closed looking long term, it's just a reflection of where we are depth wise and the opportunity to look at other players."

Seb Davies, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, Josh Navidi, Taulupe Faletau, Scott Williams, Hallam Amos and Owen Lane are unavailable for selection and Rhys Patchell makes the cut despite undergoing return to play protocols after suffering a head injury.

Players outside the Welsh regions may not be available for the opening game of the series against Scotland on 3rd November as the encounter falls away from the international Test window.

Following the game against Scotland, Wales will play Australia, Tonga and South Africa on 10th, 17th and 24th November respectively at Millennium Stadium.

Wales squad for autumn internationals:

Forwards: Rob Evans, Wyn Jones, Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Ken Owens, Leon Brown, Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Dillon Lewis, Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Bradley Davies, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Ellis Jenkins, Dan Lydiate, Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright

Backs: Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan, Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Steffan Evans, Leigh Halfpenny, Jonah Holmes, Luke Morgan, George North, Liam Williams