Wales select centre partnership for Japan test

Wales will field a new centre pairing against Japan, selected by head coach Warren Tandy, marking his sixth different centre combination in his 13th match in charge.

In the previous twelve internationals the number 12 jersey was worn by either Joe Hawkins or Ben Thomas. Thomas and Llewellyn started together against South Africa in July, but Thomas is sidelined with a calf injury and Hawkins has not been included in the 23‑man squad for the autumn series.

Llewellyn began his senior career at Cardiff playing inside centre before moving to Gloucester, where he has featured more often at outside centre alongside England midfielder Seb Atkinson at Kingsholm. Ahead of the season he told BBC Sport Wales that his preferred position was inside centre.

This season he has worn the number 12 shirt for Gloucester only once, and he started at inside centre for Wales just once in a World Cup warm‑up match against England in August 2023. James has also came though the Scarlets as a more natural 12 but Tandy says he sees the Wales future of the 24‑year‑old from Carmarthen at 13.

"We're excited to see the pairing," said Tandy. "We've had a couple of training sessions together, and it's been really good to watch. "There's strong competition, and you can't overlook Max's form since returning. "He also had a run at number 12 against Bath, His defensive performances have been excellent, but he can also play with the ball. "He's played at inside centre regularly for Cardiff, so we're confident he can deliver what we're looking for. "So we're looking forward to seeing what the partnership can produce."