Wales suffer veteran blow ahead of Nations Series

SQUAD UPDATE: Uncapped Leicester Tigers flanker Olly Cracknell has been called up to Wales’ squad for the upcoming Nations Series.

Cardiff loose forward Taulupe Faletau has been released from the squad due to a knee injury sustained against Edinburgh on Saturday.

Head coach Steve Tandy said: “It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose Toby to injury as he’s a world-class player.

“But Olly’s been playing really well for Leicester and we’re excited to add him to the squad.”

Wales will open their Nations Series campaign against Argentina, followed by Japan and New Zealand.

They will also face the Springboks on November 29, with the match falling outside of the international window.

Updated Wales squad:

Forwards: Keiron Assiratti, Adam Beard, Liam Belcher, Rhys Carre, Ben Carter, Brodie Coghlan, Christian Coleman, Rhys Davies, Olly Cracknell, James Fender, Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Morgan Morse, Taine Plumtree, Nicky Smith, Danny Southworth, Gareth Thomas, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Josh Adams, Jacob Beetham, Rio Dyer, Dan Edwards, Jarrod Evans, Kieran Hardy, Joe Hawkins, Louie Hennessey, Max Llewellyn, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Blair Murray, Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Callum Sheedy, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompki, Tomos Williams.