Ruddock names two rookies in Wales squad

Wales coach Mike Ruddock today named two uncapped players in a 29-man squad to prepare for autumn Test matches against South Africa, New Zealand, Romania and Japan in November.

Newport-Gwent Dragons lock Luke Charteris and Neath-Swansea Ospreys forward Ryan Jones look set to feature at some stage of the autumn programme.

Ruddock has been denied the services of a handful of players through injuries, the absentee list including Llanelli Scarlets hooker Robin McBryde and Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Robinson.

Ruddock is set to announce the captain later this week following a series of meetings involving leadership candidates and team management.

Backs: G Thomas (Toulouse), S Williams (Neath-Swansea), R Williams (Cardiff), C Morgan (Cardiff), M Taylor (Llanelli), G Henson (Neath-Swansea), S Parker (Neath-Swansea), T Shanklin (Cardiff), S Jones (Montferrand), C Sweeney (Newport-Gwent), D Peel (Llanelli), G Cooper (Dragons).

Forwards: Duncan Jones (Neath-Swansea), I Thomas (Llanelli), G Jenkins (Cardiff), A Jones (Neath-Swansea), G Williams (Cardiff), M Davies (Neath-Swansea), B Cockbain (Neath-Swansea), M Owen (Dragons), L Charteris (Dragons), G Llewellyn (Narbonne), R Sidoli (Cardiff), J Thomas (Neath-Swansea), Dafydd Jones (Llanelli), C Charvis (Newcastle), M Williams (Cardiff), R Jones (Neath-Swansea), A Popham (Leeds).