Wales
Wales drop Jones and Hook for November Tests
ESPN Staff
October 21, 2014
Adam Jones is a triple Grand Slam champion with Wales © Getty Images
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Adam Jones and James Hook have been left out of the Wales squad for the November Tests, but Warren Gatland insists he has not "closed the door" on any player's international career.

Ospreys youngsters Nicky Smith and Dan Baker and Dragons wing Tom Prydie have also been included in the 34-man squad to face Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa.

Reports on Monday suggested that Gatland would select just two recognised fly-halves, with Rhys Priestland getting the nod over Hook alongside Dan Biggar in the squad.

But it is the omission of Adam Jones that will raise most eyebrows. The 33-year-old, who has 95 caps for his country as well as five British & Irish Lions caps, has been a fixture in the Wales side for over a decade, including the summer tour of South Africa, but has suffered a dip in form since joining Cardiff Blues this summer.

Ospreys prop Smith is the one debutant called on by Gatland, with Josh Turnbull, Ian Evans and Eli Walker also selected alongside a raft of players who did not feature in the two-Test tour in June.

"We are really happy with the squad, there is a lot of experience that has come back in, 12 players who were injured in the summer and didn't tour South Africa, they are back and fit and we have a couple of exciting youngsters as well," said Gatland.

"Nicky Smith has been playing exceptionally well for the Ospreys and we have been impressed with him and it's a great opportunity.

"When you look through the squad there is a huge amount of experience. We've taken a lot of things into account and made some tough decisions.

"We've had to weigh up a balance of players who play in Wales and outside, due to how often they can train and are with us but we are really happy with the squad.

"We are looking to the future and the next 12 months ahead with this squad but it doesn't close the door for anyone not selected."

Wales:

Forwards: Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester Rugby), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), James King (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, Captain), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Dragons)

Backs: Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), James Roberts (Racing Metro), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

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