Regan Grace is a surprise inclusion in Wales’ 34-strong squad to tour Australia in July.

The rugby league convert was only called into the training squad last week as a replacement for injured Keelan Giles.

The 27-year-old switched codes in 2022 but serious Achilles injuries have delayed his competitive rugby union debut – which could now come against the Wallabies.

Grace is among three uncapped players named by head coach Warren Gatland, including Cardiff hooker Efan Daniel and Gloucester wing Josh Hathaway.

Dewi Lake has been named captain, despite the return of Six Nations skipper Dafydd Jenkins, after impressing against South Africa.

But Wales have been hit with a front-row injury crisis following the loss of Henry Thomas, Keiron Assiratti and Elliot Dee.

Wales, who have lost their last seven Tests, have not beaten the Wallabies in Australia since 1969 but Gatland remained upbeat.

“I’m excited about this Wales squad. We’re expecting two fiercely contested Test matches but we are relishing the challenge,” he said.

“We are focusing on getting better as a group. This is a young squad that’s still learning at this level.

“There are lots of positives that we can build on from the weekend and there are also areas that we will be working hard to address over the next few weeks.”

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