Rees to lead Wales against Wallabies

Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees will captain Wales in the first Test match of their autumn series against Australia on November 6.

Rees, who has won 39 caps, takes over from Ospreys back-row forward Ryan Jones.

Jones will miss the Wallabies clash after suffering a calf muscle tear while playing for his region against Glasgow in the Magners League last Sunday.

Jones will be reassessed after the Australia clash to determine when he might be able to return.

Jones’ injury is the latest setback to hit the Wales camp after full-back Lee Byrne was ruled out of the first three autumn Tests due to a broken bone in his hand.

Wales' injury woes did not end with Jones as wing Leigh Halfpenny has left the autumn Test squad after suffering ankle ligament damage.

Halfpenny, who would have been a candidate to take over at full-back from Byrne, will be sidelined for three to four weeks. Newport Gwent Dragons wing Aled Brew has been officially called up to replace him.

Brew was already training with Wales, providing injury cover for uncapped Scarlets wing George North, who is set to resume full training next week in his recovery from a broken leg.