MY ACCOUNT
Justin Tipuric has been named as Wales captain for the Autumn Nations Series next month.
The flanker takes over as skipper in the absence of Dan Biggar, who misses the Tests against New Zealand, Argentina, Georgia and Australia due to a knee injury.
Tipuric is relishing the opportunity to lead the side at Principality Stadium, where New Zealand will be their first opponents on November 5.
“I am honoured and didn’t quite expect it, to be honest,” said Tipuric.
The 33-year-old missed last season due to a shoulder injury but has returned to full fitness.
He added: “I am just happy to get back in the squad, and to have the responsibility of leading such a great bunch of boys on to the field is one of those definite highlights of your career.
“It’s very exciting to be back at the stadium. You take it for granted not playing there for a while, and I guess when you’re out of the game for a while, you look back on it and shows how much you do miss it.
“It’s one of the big things that you miss in rugby, and it’s something you want to make the most of, whether it’s one more game or 10 more minutes left to play there.”
Alun Wyn Jones was included in Wayne Pivac’s squad but was not selected as captain due to not being a guaranteed starter.
Pivac on Tuesday called up hooker Bradley Roberts after Dewi Lake was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
