Dan Biggar has not been included in Wales’ 35-man Autumn Nations Series squad due to the continued assessment of his knee injury. Biggar went off during Northampton’s Gallagher Premiership victory over Wasps on October 9, with Saints stating that his condition would be reviewed by a specialist ahead of an autumn schedule that Wales kick off against New Zealand on November 5.
It is unclear at this stage whether the talisman fly-half, who captained Wales against South Africa this summer, will be available for later autumn appointments with Argentina, Georgia or Australia, but it would appear unlikely.
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac’s group includes five uncapped players and a recall for full-back Leigh Halfpenny, who has not played Test rugby since he suffered a serious knee injury 15 months ago. Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric are also back for international duty more than a year after they last appeared.
The five uncapped players selected are Joe Hawkins of the Ospreys, Rio Dyer of Dragons, Scarlets duo Dane Blacker and Sam Costelow, while Josh Macleod – another Scarlets player – is also included after previously being selected in the 2020 Autumn Nations Series and 2021 Guinness Six Nations squads.
Pivac said: “It’s great to have Ken, Justin and Leigh back after long-term injuries. They are three great players who have served Wales very well. They are all British and Irish Lions so quality players. We are 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.
