Gatland names three uncapped players in Wales squad

Wales boss Warren Gatland has named three uncapped players in a 35-man squad for the upcoming autumn internationals.

Ospreys wing Eli Walker, Cardiff Blues centre Cory Allen and Scarlets scrum-half Rhodri Williams have all been selected for the first time, while back James Hook has won a recall after his fine form for Perpignan.

British and Irish Lions backs Jamie Roberts and Alex Cuthbert miss out through injury, but there are returns for Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland and Perpignan lock Luke Charteris, who both missed large parts of last season.

Scrum-half Mike Phillips, who faced a meeting with Bayonne directors on Tuesday after he allegedly attended a players' video analysis session at the French club earlier this month while under the influence of alcohol, is also included.

Wales' autumn campaign kicks off on November 9 against South Africa, with further Tests against Argentina, Tonga and Australia to follow.

Gatland said: "We have an important campaign ahead as we look to test ourselves against some of the best sides in the world, but also add strength in depth to our squad as we look to the future.

"We face a huge game against South Africa first up, and they will be coming to us after an impressive Rugby Championship campaign.

"Recent matches between us have been very close and physical, and that will be a great test for us to kick-off.

"All four matches will be a stern test, but we are looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to seeing what we can do on this stage.

"The Rugby World Cup is less than two years away, so we are looking to build as much depth in our squad as possible and to give vital international experience to our players."

Wales squad for autumn Tests:

Backs: L Williams (Scarlets), L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), E Walker (Ospreys), G North (Northampton), J Hook (Perpignan), O Williams (Cardiff Blues), C Allen (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Scarlets), A Beck (Ospreys), J Davies (Scarlets), R Priestland (Scarlets), R Patchell (Cardiff Blues), D Biggar (Ospreys), M Phillips (Bayonne), L Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Williams (Scarlets).

Forwards: S Andrews (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), A Jarvis (Ospreys), P James (Bath), G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), R Bevington (Ospreys), R Hibbard (Ospreys), K Owens (Scarlets), E Phillips (Scarlets), A W Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Perpignan), I Evans (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), A Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), R Jones (Ospreys), J Tipuric (Ospreys), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), D Lydiate (Racing Metro), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).