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Surprise Wales call-up for uncapped wing Regan Grace

Regan Grace of Bath Rugby looks on after a Bath Rugby training session at Farleigh House on March 20, 2024 in Bath, England. (Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)

Wales have made a surprise selection by calling up former rugby league star Regan Grace to their summer squad. Grace, who switched codes in 2022, has yet to make his competitive rugby union debut due to Achilles injuries.

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The 27-year-old is replacing Ospreys wing Keelan Giles, sidelined with a groin injury.

England-based Grace will miss the upcoming match against South Africa at Twickenham as it falls outside World Rugby’s international window.

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However, he is set to make his professional union debut in the two-Test series against Australia in July.

Prop Henry Thomas is also out for the Springboks game, with Keiron Assiratti stepping in and Harri O’Connor joining the bench.

Wales will announce their final 34-man squad for the Australian tour following the Springboks Test.

Grace had a stellar rugby league career with St Helens, winning three Super League Grand Finals and the Challenge Cup. After announcing his switch to union in 2022, a ruptured Achilles and subsequent relapse prevented him from playing for Racing 92.

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He joined Bath in February and featured in two friendlies in March.

With Josh Adams rested, Wales’ back three options for the summer series include Liam Williams, Cameron Winnett, Rio Dyer, Jacob Beetham, Josh Hathaway, and Mason Grady, who will start at center against the Springboks.

Wales XV to face South Africa

15. Cameron Winnett
14. Liam Williams
13. Owen Watkin
12. Mason Grady
11. Rio Dyer
10. Sam Costelow
9. Ellis Bevan
1. Gareth Thomas
2. Dewi Lake
3. Keiron Assiratti
4. Matthew Screech
5. Ben Carter
6. Taine Plumtree
7. James Botham
8. Aaron Wainwright

Replacements

16. Evan Lloyd
17. Kemsley Mathias
18. Harri O’Connor
19. James Ratti
20. Mackenzie Martin
21. Gareth Davies
22. Eddie James
23. Jacob Beetham

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J
JW 49 minutes ago
Ian Foster: 'You kid yourself that we were robbed'

That's not the truth at all, you're in fairtale territory. The only difference between those to types of teams, is luck.


That lie has been found out, with those teams previously sharing the kudos for working on discipline, now some of being the worst. It is simply a poor indignation of the quality, and easyness, of refereeing. Even the judiciary panel called Sam Cane, a liar.


One thing I will say to any South African readers, after watching a replay of the Final again to see how many tackles Frizell made, was that I viewed Frizells takedown of Bongi incorrectly. It having reviewed during that period, I had failed to watch the live footage, I had only analyzed the replays. Previously, I tried to defend Frizell for pulling out of the neck roll and, instead, accidentally falling on Bongi's leg. The angle that I saw live made be look closer and indeed, Frizell was indeed trying to level him off. As Bongi himself said afterwards "thank god for my NECK", because otherwise Frizells full weight would have done a lot more damage I'd imagine (which I think was his own point).


So previously I had critized the review officer for giving Cane a (incorrect) red card because he couldn't/didn't give one to Frizell. Now I can understand more where he was coming from. So mainly, I'd just like to apologize to and SAn's who I had tried to defend that situation of only deserving of a penalty for (if that), when in fact it was more deserving of a red than Sam Canes tackle imo.

33 Go to comments
S
SK 2 hours ago
Does the next Wallabies coach have to be an Australian?

Just hire a South African, you know you want to. Get Jake White in, he has coveted the job for many years or give the job to Franco Smith, he would jump at it given the opportunity to take the Glasgow game to the Wallabies. Johan Ackermann is no longer free but he would accept any forthcoming offers and if you feel like poaching a young talent go for JP Pietersen or Joey Mongalo who have earned a pretty decent reputation with the Sharks. Jacques Fourie would make you defend all day so he's a no go but Dobbo will make you play the right way and with his creative writing qualification he will put a fanciful spin on any story. Cash Van Rooyen knows how to get a tune out of young players and make a sum equal more than its parts. If you are feeling like taking a wild punt go for attack guru and winner of the award for most biased SA rugby pundit of all time then your man is Swys De Bruin. If you are in the market for some almost South Africans just go for Plumtree, Felix Jones or even for the new kid on the block, Tony Brown. If you are feeling really adventurous and I mean really adventurous plump for Alistair Coetzee who would I'm sure love a change after the regular beatings he took with Namibia and of course if you wanna play it safe just get in Jacques Nienaber who will give you his own refined, extra-special brand of strong South African conservatism. Lets be real though, the best appointment would be Stevie L who coaches half the Aussie team already so why not give him the other half and see what he can do. A good coach who has trained with the best and whom has a good world view of the game. He is ready for higher honours, has the pedigree and is also well liked by the media. He is a world cup winner and is greatly respected in the game. A worthy candidate for sure.

39 Go to comments
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