Uncapped pair named in Wales squad
LONDON, England -- Wales coach Mike Ruddock has included uncapped duo Luke Charteris and Ryan Jones in his 29-man squad for the four end-of-year tests in Cardiff.
Newport lock Charteris and Neath back rower Jones are likely to make their debuts at some point during the four games against South Africa, Romania, New Zealand and Japan.
Cardiff winger Craig Morgan, out of the team since the 2003 Six Nations, is also back as Ruddock has been deprived of injured Mark Jones and Dafydd James.
Forwards Huw Bennett, Robin McBryde and backs Ryan Powell Nicky Robinson and Jamie Robinson are also out of contention through injury.
"It's been a difficult but exciting selection so early into the season," Ruddock said. "We have picked 29 players but there is a degree of flexibility that could allow one or two more to come into the squad in what is a fluid and ongoing selection situation.
"There are a number of players who went on the summer tour who are unlucky to have missed out because others have returned from injury.
"But there are plenty of games between now and the start of the autumn series and there is no reason why people can't play themselves back into contention with performances at regional level."
Wales played Argentina twice in June, losing the first game 50-44 and winning the second 35-20, and then lost 53-18 to South Africa.
Colin Charvis captained the team in those three games, as he had during the Six Nations and 2003 World Cup, but the big back rower, though included in the current squad, has not been confirmed as captain.
Ruddock is expected to name his captain for the series over the next few days after holding meetings with his staff and senior players.
White signs new deal
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Jake White has had his current contract extended through to 2007.
White, who succeeded Rudolf Straeuli in February, was originally contracted through to May 2006.
The 40-year-old led South Africa to the Tri-nations title this year, only their second success in the southern hemisphere competition with Australia and New Zealand.
