Grand Slam heroes: Wales will be looking for their first win on Australian soil since 1969
By Owain Jones, Rugby World Editor
WALES HEAD coach Rob Howley has named four uncapped players in his 38-man touring party to face the Barbarians before travelling to Australia for a four-test Tour.
Scarlets full-back Liam Williams, prop Rhodri Jones, Ospreys centre Ashley Beck and Cardiff Blues wing are all named to make the trip Down Under.
Wales will face the Barbarians on June 2nd before heading South for three Tests against Australia and a game against Super 15 franchise ACT Brumbies.
Injuries have meant Jamie Roberts and Lyon-bound Huw Bennett were not considered, while full-back Lee Byrne was also omitted because his club commitments with Clermont Auvergne still likely be in the Top 14 final. He will be on stand-by for the tour’s latter stages.
Wales will be sending 12 of their squad out early to acclimatize in advance of the June 9 First Test, while Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones will fly out late due to wedding commitments.
Another name to catch the eye in the squad is Dan Biggar. The 22 year-old Ospreys fly-half has been in fine form for the Ospreys, recently passing the 1,000 point mark for his region.
Biggar's back: Dan has been in fine form for the Ospreys
Still carrying injuries but travelling with the squad are Jonathan Davies (hernia), Matthew Rees (ankle) and Scott Williams (shoulder).
The squad will assemble on May 21, except for the 12 Ospreys involved in preparations for their RaboDirect Pro12 Final against Leinster in Dublin.
Set for a 100th and final cap will be 36 year-old Martyn Williams who is expected to make his farewells and play a part in the Barbarians test at the Millennium Stadium
Howley takes the reins after Warren Gatland fractured both heels in a fall in New Zealand.
FORWARDS: Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (NG Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (NG Dragons), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lyldiate (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues)
BACKS: Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), Aled Brew (NG Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny, Will Harries (NG Dragons), James Hook (Perpignan), George North (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Liam Williams (Scarlets)
Wales’ upcoming fixtures
Wales v Barbarians – Millennium Stadium, June 2nd
Australia v Wales – Brisbane, June 9
ACT Brumbies v Wales – Canberra, June 12
Ausralia v Wales – Melbourne, June 16
Australia v Wales – Sydney, June 23