Thomas set for Wales fly-half role as Hathaway eyes debut

Cardiff centre Ben Thomas is group to beryllium handed nan Wales fly-half domiciled while Gloucester helping Josh Hathaway is successful statement for a debut successful nan first Test against Australia successful Sydney connected Saturday.

Thomas, 25, is group to switch Sam Costelow and make his first world commencement successful his 3rd Test lucifer pursuing 2 replacement appearances successful 2021.

He is expected to partner Cardiff team-mate Ellis Bevan aft nan scrum-half made his debut successful nan 41-13 conclusion against South Africa astatine Twickenham past month.

After missing nan Six Nations because of his nine commitments successful Japan, Liam Williams is successful statement to move to full-back from nan helping position he occupied against nan Springboks.

If Williams is restored to his favoured position, Cameron Winnett would driblet retired of nan starting broadside aft starting nan past six internationals.

Mason Grady, who played astir of his rugby connected nan helping for Cardiff past season, is besides group to proceed retired of position astatine inside-centre having been fixed nan number 12 jersey against South Africa.

Wales caput coach Warren Gatland only named 1 master fly-half successful Costelow for nan summertime squad pinch Thomas and chap Cardiff subordinate Jacob Beetham acting arsenic cover.

Wales person been searching for a fly-half successor to nan retired Dan Biggar and unavailable Gareth Anscombe, pinch Costelow starting 4 games successful nan Six Nations and nan conclusion against nan Springboks.

Gatland says he has been looking for much beingness options astatine 10 and overlooked Ioan Lloyd for nan Australia trip.

Thomas has only made 1 commencement astatine 10 for Cardiff this play pinch 16 appearances successful his much earthy inside-centre position.

South African fly-half Tinus de Beer started almost each lucifer for nan Arms Park side, while Callum Sheedy will get astatine Cardiff from Bristol for adjacent season.

Hathaway was named successful Wales' training squad for nan summertime Tests but was unavailable for nan conclusion to South Africa because nan lucifer fell extracurricular World Rugby's world model which ruled retired English-based nine players.

Aberystwyth-born Hathaway, who has represented Wales and England astatine Under-20 level, offers options astatine full-back and wing.

Wales person moved to unafraid his services aft Exeter helping Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was successful a akin position earlier this play and chose to play for England.