Rees, the current Scarlets captain who has 39 caps to his name and was the starting hooker for the British & Irish Lions in the 2nd and 3rd Tests in South Africa in 2009, will take over the captains’ arm band from the injury-hit Ryan Jones. He will become the 128th player to captain Wales.
Jones sustained a grade-two tear to his calf muscle whilst on duty for the Ospreys in Glasgow last weekend and has been ruled out of the game against the Wallabies on Saturday, November 6. He will be re-assessed after the match to determine when he may be able to return.
“It’s obviously a huge honour to captain your country and it’s something that probably won’t really sink in until we get to match-day. To lead the side out at the Millennium Stadium against a side of the strength and stature of Australia is just an amazing thought,” said Rees.
“I hope to be able to take it all in my stride and as a squad we are certainly looking to perform against the Wallabies and come away with the right result to kick-off our autumn campaign, and this Rugby World Cup season, in the right way.”
Meanwhile, a scan has revealed that Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny has damaged a ligament in his ankle, which will see him in recovery for three to four weeks. This means he will leave the squad and be replaced by Dragons wing Aled Brew.
Brew was already in camp with Wales, providing injury cover for recovering Scarlets wing George North who himself will be back in training next week after a leg fracture.
Matthew Rees
DOB: 9 December, 1980
Birthplace: Tonyrefail
Position: Hooker
Ht: 1.83 m (6′ 0″)
Wt: 109 kg (17 st 2 lb)
Honours: Wales (39 caps), B&I Lions (3 caps)
Debut: 4 June, 2005 v USA
Aled Brew
DOB: 9 August, 1986
Birthplace: Cardiff
Position: Wing
Ht: 1.85 m (6′ 1″)
Wt: 101 kg (15 st 12 lb)
Honours: Wales (3 caps)
Debut: 4 February, 2007 v Ireland
