Dafydd Jenkins Ruled Out of Autumn Internationals

Dafydd Jenkins, the 21-year-old lock for Wales and captain of Exeter Chiefs, has been ruled out of the upcoming autumn internationals due to ongoing recovery from knee and shoulder surgeries. Jenkins, who sustained a knee injury during international duty in Australia, expressed disappointment about missing crucial matches against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa, but he is targeting a return for Exeter's Champions Cup game against Toulouse on December 15. His absence is particularly felt as Wales looks to secure its first Test victory since the 2023 World Cup, and Jenkins has voiced his mental and physical challenges during this recovery period. Despite this setback, he remains determined and motivated, stating that he has never been hungrier to return to the pitch. Jenkins aims to make his comeback in the 2025 Six Nations, where he hopes to again represent Wales after a significant time off. Head coach Warren Gatland is expected to announce the squad for the autumn series soon.