It’s official... Evans called up by Wales for autumn Tests
WALES have officially called up Cardiff Blues fly-half Jarrod Evans to their squad for the autumn internationals.
Evans was in camp already as injury cover for Rhys Patchell, who is yet to play since the Scarlets v Ospreys derby after displaying concussion symptoms.
The players arrived in camp yesterday and, having had time to assess everyone, the management have decided to call up Evans officially but Patchell remains with the squad.
The Scarlets pivot ‘continues to make progress with his rehabilitation following his concussion,’ a statement from the Welsh Rugby Union read.
“With Patch, it’s just a case of staying on top of him, making sure he’s doing the right things, doing his protocols with the medics,” added skills coach Neil Jenkins.
“He’s just got to take his time. Health is more important than anything else as Gats always says.
“When he’s ready, he’ll come back into the fray and we look forward to that.”
It means the uncapped pivot is now in the frame to make his international debut against Scotland next weekend, with Northampton’s Dan Biggar unavailable for the fixture because it falls outside the World Rugby international window.
Gareth Anscombe is the favourite to start that game, leaving Evans as the only other fit fly-half in the squad at the moment.
“It’s excellent for Jarrod, he’s been outstanding for the Blues in the last year,” said Jenkins.
“He had a little bit of an illness earlier in the year but he’s come back and played well, he’s a talent.
“He’s been in here a few times to train against the boys and he’s carved them up a bit. It’s well-deserved.”
Meanwhile, second row Bradley Davies has been released from the squad with a knee issue and nobody has been called up in his place.
Wales are hopeful Ellis Jenkins ‘will be up and running by the end of the week’ after being forced off in the Cardiff Blues loss to Glasgow with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.