Tandy Gives Five New Faces Shot at International Rugby

Local TV Sport

Wales’ head coach Steve Tandy has handed five uncapped players a shot at international rugby, with the potential for a first Test cap against world champions South Africa later this autumn.  Tandy, named in charge only recently, revealed his first squad yesterday, and among the 39 players selected were Dragons hooker Brodie Coghlan, Cardiff prop Danny Southworth, Ospreys lock James Fender, Ospreys back-row Morgan Morse, and Bath centre Louie Hennessey — all included for the first time.

Transcript

00:00Wales head coach Steve Tandy has handed five uncapped players a shot at international rugby

00:07with the potential for a first test cap against world champion South Africa later this autumn.

00:14Tandy named in charge only recently revealed his squad this week and among the 39 players selected

00:20were Dragons hooker Brodie Colohan, Cardiff prop Danny Southwall and Osprey's lock James Fender,

00:27Osprey's back row Morgan Morse and Bath Centre Louis Hennessy all included for the first time.

00:35While the opening matches of the Autumn Nations series against Australia, Japan and New Zealand

00:39will provide plenty of opportunities whether any of the newcomers get minutes in those fixtures remains

00:46uncertain but the final match against the Springboks on November 29th could offer a perfect window for

00:53them. That game falls outside the official international window meaning overseas-based

00:59players including Hennessy will not be released by their clubs. That opens the door for Colohan,

01:06Southwall, Fender and Morse to earn their first caps. Tandy was clear about the significance of

01:12the opportunity. There are senior players who you think might play but ultimately there is a chance

01:18for everyone to put a mark down on how they train and how they operate off the field in the group,

01:24he said. The inclusion of these uncapped players highlights Tandy's commitment to building a dynamic

01:30and competitive squad. All five now have the chance to state their claim and show how they can perform

01:36at test level. With Wales facing a demanding series including traditional powerhouses and the reigning

01:43world champions, there will be no shortage of challenge or opportunity for those looking to make

01:50their mark. As the Autumn Nations series gets underway on November 9th against Argentina,

01:57eyes will be on these emerging talents for Colohan, Southwall, Fender and Morse and Hennessy. The

02:03coming weeks could define their careers, offering the chance to step onto the international stage and join the

02:10ranks of Welsh Rugby's newest heroes.

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