Italy vs Wales: Team News As Injuries Hit


Wales have called up Scarlets back rower Taine Plumtree ahead of Saturday’s clash with Italy in Rome.

Plumtree, who has been a key part of Wales squads in 2024, has been given the call to join the squad in Nice as Aaron Wainwright recovers from a facial injury sustained against France in Paris on Friday.

As well as Wainwright, centre Owen Watkin also suffered a knee injury against France. No replacement has been called up yet.

With Wainwright injured and Taulupe Faletau also not fit enough to make the squad for last Friday’s match, Plumtree comes straight into playing contention.

Sale prop WillGriff John also links up at the south of France training camp after recovering from a head injury that kept him out of the first round.

Wainwright and Watkin have not been officially released from the squad while the Welsh Rugby Union has not provided a time frame on a potential playing return.

It was initially reported that Wainwright suffered a facial fracture in the fourth minute of the match, but further medical examination has revealed that has has not suffered a broken bone or concussion.

Wales face Italy on Saturday with Gatland’s side bidding to avoid a 14th consecutive international defeat.

Potential Wales XV for Italy:

Ll Williams; T Rogers, N Tompkins, E James, J Adams; B Thomas, T Williams; G Thomas, E Lloyd, H Thomas; D Jenkins, W Rowlands; J Botham, J Morgan, T Faletau.


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