Wales have announced the shock call-up of former rugby league winger Regan Grace to their squad for the summer internationals.

The former St Helens man has replaced Keelan Giles, who has withdrawn with a groin injury. Grace joins the 39-man squad which, following this Saturday’s match with South Africa, will be cut to 34, ahead of the tour of Australia.

Warren Gatland has also announced that newly-signed Scarlets tighthead Henry Thomas has been ruled out of the South Africa game, with Keiron Assiratti now in line to start and Harri O’Connor coming onto the bench.

It is not thought that Henry Thomas’ injury will spell the end of his summer involvement, as he has not been released from the squad.

Grace Makes Squad After Long Injury Lay-Off

Grace, 27, recently made the switch from league to union and signed for Bath in February of this year.

His time in union has been blighted by injury. Grace ruptured his Achilles playing for St Helens in August 2022, a month after signing for French union side Racing 92. Having suffered a relapse of the same injury in February 2023, the winger never played for Racing before his release.

Grace made his name as a lethal finisher in rugby league, scoring 89 tries in 143 games for St Helens, winning three Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup.

He initially signed on a short term deal with Bath, before being awarded a permanent contract. If he does play for Wales during this summer’s fixtures, his first competitive match of rugby union will be at international level.