Beard ruled out of Wales' South Africa autumn finale

Autumn Nations Series: Wales v South Africa

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 23 November Kick off: 17:40 GMT

Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, live text and commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

Wales have lost the most experienced member of their autumn squad as Adam Beard was ruled out of the match against South Africa.

The Ospreys second row has been released from the squad for the final autumn series match due to a knee injury sustained just seven minutes into last weekend's loss to Australia.

He is the second lock Wales have lost this month after Ben Carter also suffered a knee injury in training at the start of the campaign.

Warren Gatland has not replaced 58-cap Beard, who faced the Springboks for the British & Irish Lions in 2021, with Cardiff's Teddy Williams having previously been called into the squad.

It is another blow for Gatland and Wales who were already without scrum-half Tomos Williams and wing Mason Grady as they seek to end their 11-Test losing run.

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, Will Rowlands, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Kieran Hardy, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Gareth Anscombe, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Max Llewellyn, Eddie James, Owen Watkin, Blair Murray, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.