Coach Pivac picks Kiwi pair in first Wales squad
Wayne Pivac has picked five uncapped players in his first Wales squad, including two New Zealandborn backs in Willis Halaholo and Johnny Mcnicholl.
Halaholo, the Cardiff Blues centre, and Scarlets wing/full-back Mcnicholl have both qualified to represent Wales on residency grounds, having arrived at their respective regions from New Zealand in 2016.
With World Rugby’s qualification period extending to five years from 2020, new head coach Pivac has wasted no time in naming the pair, both 29, in a 35-man group that will prepare to take on the Barbarians on Nov 30.
The other uncapped call-ups are Taine Basham and Shane Lewishughes in the back row and wing Ashton Hewitt. Meanwhile, there are notable recalls for props Rob Evans and Samson Lee, both of whom were omitted from Warren Gatland’s World Cup party.
Alun Wyn Jones (groin) does not feature, while Dan Biggar and Rhys Carre will not be released by Northampton and Saracens respectively.
A lengthy injury list sees Jonathan Davies, George North, Rhys Patchell, Josh Navidi, Cory Hill, Tomas Francis, Liam Williams and Gareth Anscombe all ruled out.
Gatland, Pivac’s predecessor, will oversee the Barbarians for the uncapped fixture at the Principality Stadium.
“It is great to get the squad announced and get the ball rolling,” Pivac said. “This Barbarians game is a great chance for us as a new squad and management to get together and to set the scene for what we are looking to do. Having this opportunity ahead of tournament rugby in the Six Nations is ideal for us.”