Wales lose Mason Grady and James Botham for Autumn Series

Wales international Mason Grady has been ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series after suffering an AC joint injury during Cardiff Rugby’s pre-season match against Richmond.

The 23-year-old, who had only recently returned from a 10-month lay-off due to an ankle injury, has undergone surgery and is set to miss around 12 weeks. Cardiff expect him back for their second block of United Rugby Championship fixtures later this year.

Back-row forward James Botham will also be unavailable for Wales during the autumn internationals.

He underwent knee surgery over the summer and is not expected to return until after the November Tests, targeting a comeback for Cardiff during the later stages of 2025.

Cardiff confirmed further setbacks within their squad. Elijah Evans fractured his thumb in the Richmond game and will miss the opening phase of the season.

Theo Cabango and Iwan Stephens remain long-term absentees with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, while Matty Young is sidelined in the early weeks with an ankle problem.