Uncapped Scarlets centre Eddie James has been called up by Wales ahead of their summer Tests against South Africa and Australia.
The 21-year-old has been added to Warren Gatland’s squad, becoming the fifth uncapped player in the 37-man squad – joining Jacob Beetham, Ellis Bevan, Keelan Giles and Josh Hathaway.
James had been tipped for a place in the original squad, with Gatland understood to be a keen admirer of the centre after a breakthrough year that saw him feature 14 times for the Scarlets.
However, when Gatland named his 36-man squad on Monday, he opted for Ben Thomas, Mason Grady, Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin as his midfield options.
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James’ inclusion was dependent on the outcome of an MRI scan and further assessments, which is why he wasn’t included initially. However, having come through that, he’ll now bolster Wales’ midfield ranks for the Springboks Test.
English-based Tompkins will be unavailable for the South Africa clash, while Watkin could also miss it if the Ospreys progress in the URC play-offs.
That leaves just Thomas and Grady as the midfield options, with Thomas also required to cover fly-half.
Following the Springboks clash, Gatland will reduce his 37-man squad to 34 ahead of the two Tests against Australia Down Under.