Stoddart in for injured Jones
Mark Jones ruled out of Wales' November Series with knee injury
Tuesday, 03, Nov 2009 02:33
By Michael Younger.
Full-back Morgan Stoddart has been called into Wales' squad for the autumn internationals as a replacement for fellow Scarlet Mark Jones.
Wing Jones has been ruled out of the entire November series after suffering a knee injury during training and will now have keyhole surgery.
Stoddart, 25 - the only recognised full-back in Wales' squad - is set to report for Wales duty on Thursday, although he will miss Saturday's showdown with New Zealand as he has been granted permission to go back to the Scarlets for their LV Cup clash with Harlequins at the Stoop on Sunday November 8th.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said: "Morgan is an intelligent attacking player who will provide cover for us across the back three.
"He is a player we know very well and just as importantly he knows our squad environment very well and should be able to slot into things fairly quickly."
Wales coach Warren Gatland will be able to call on Stoddart for the second game of the series against Samoa on Friday week.
The 25-year-old made his international debut against South Africa two years ago. His last cap came during the 2008 autumn series, when the Welsh beat Canada 34-13.