Wales announce squad for November Tests

Wales have named uncapped Ospreys pair Sam Davies and Rory Thornton in their 36-man squad for the November Tests.

Davies, 23, was a part of Wales Under-20 squad in the junior World Cup and in 2013 he was named IRB Junior Player of the Year. He has been impressive for Ospreys this season. Thornton, at the other hand has captained Wales U20 team in 2014 and was included in the training squad for the 2015 World Cup.

Wales' new selection policy for the senior players participating in leagues outside the country allowed Northampton Saints wing George North, Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts and Bath number 8 Taulupe Fatetau make the cut while Bath fly-half Rhys Priestland misses out.

The squad will also be boosted by the comeback of Toulon full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who returns to the national squad after the knee injury he sustained during the 2015 World Cup.

Cardiff Blues wing Alex Cuthbert and Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate have also been recalled while skipper Sam Warburton has been named in the 36-man squad despite his recent cheekbone injury.

Rob Howley will be in charge of the team in the absence of regular head coach Warren Gatland, who is busy with the British and Irish Lions commitment.

Howley might be forced to play a relatively inexperienced line-up in the opening Test against the Wallabies as their agreement with the Premiership Rugby will not allow the release of the non-England players outside the window provided by the World Rugby.

Howley welcomed the return of senior players from their respective injuries and is hoping to start the season on a winning note.

"It is great to give the opportunity to players who are playing well for their clubs with the likes of Nicky Smith, Rhys Gill, Rory Thornton and Sam Davies coming into the squad.

"In addition, it's great to be able to welcome back experienced players such as Dan Lydiate, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny, who have missed out recently with injury, and that experience will be important this autumn.

"Taulupe is still in his rehab process and has been working closely with Bath. We hope he will be available in the later part of the campaign, but his e xperience will be vitally important to have around the squad.

"We know we have to start the campaign strong and have to replicate the accuracy and intensity our opponents will bring to Cardiff.

"We need to build on what we did in New Zealand and take it up another level for that opening match against Australia."

Wales squad for November Tests

Forwards: Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Rhys Gill (Cardiff Blues), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Rory Thornton (Ospreys), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (capt, Cardiff Blues).

Backs: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Scarlets).