Leigh Halfpenny, Justin Tipuric return to Wales squad for Autumn Internationals, Dan Biggar injured
Leigh Halfpenny last played for Wales in July 2021
©PA
Wales will be without skipper Dan Biggar for the Autumn Internationals as he is sidelined with a knee injury.
Biggar sustained the injury while playing for his club Northampton Saints and is unavailable for selection due to injuries along with Liam Williams , Josh Navidi and Wyn Jones.
Leigh Halpenny, who last played for Wales in July 2021 is back in the squad after recovering from a knee injury while Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric have also been recalled.
The squad has five uncapped players in Josh Macleod, Joe Hawkins, wing Rio Dyer, Dane Blacker and Sam Costelow.
"It's great to have Ken, Justin and Leigh back after long-term injuries," said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.
"They are three great players who have served Wales very well. They are all British and Irish Lions so quality players.
"We're excited to have them in the squad for obvious reasons. We have a number of young players in this squad so it will be great for them to rub shoulders with these experienced ones."
With Biggar absent, Pivac has not named the captain but Adam Beard was the vice-captain previous season with the squad also containing Dragons skipper Will Rowlands and Ospreys captain Tipuric.
"For us it's about finalising the squad today and then we'll look closely at who's going to lead the side," added Pivac.
"We have quite a few options with a lot of experience in the squad now. There's probably an opportunity for more than one captain in this series."
Wales will begin their campaign with a clash against New Zealand on 5th November followed by clashes against Argentina, Georgia and Australia.
Wales squad:
Forwards: Rhodri Jones, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Sam Wainwright, Adam Beard, Ben Carter, Alun Wyn Jones, Will Rowlands, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Lydiate, Josh MacLeod, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Justin Tipuric, Christ Tshiunza
Backs: Dane Blacker, Kieran Hardy, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Sam Costelow, Rhys Priestland, Joe Hawkins, George North, Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert, Rio Dyer, Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees-Zammit
Players Unavailable: Taine Basham, Dan Biggar, Leon Brown, Seb Davies, Wyn Jones, Josh Navidi, Johnny Williams, Liam Williams
