Wales forward Faletau to miss November tests due to injury

Wales will be without loose forward Taulupe Faletau due to injury for the November internationals and he will be replaced in the squad by uncapped Olly Cracknell, the Welsh Rugby Union said on Monday.

The 34-year-old Faletau, who went on three British & Irish Lions tours and has won more than 100 Welsh caps, suffered a knee injury playing for Cardiff against Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Cracknell, 31, played for Wales at Under-20 level and was called up to the senior squad in 2017 without winning a cap.

"It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose Toby to injury as he’s a world-class player. But Olly’s been playing really well for Leicester and we’re excited to add him to the squad," said Wales coach Steve Tandy, whose first game in charge will be against Argentina in Cardiff on November 9.

Wales also host Japan on November 15, New Zealand on November 22 and South Africa on November 29. REUTERS