Wales call up in-form Page after Dyer injury blow

Published5 hours ago

Dragons wing Rio Dyer has been released from the Wales squad for the Nations Championship because of a hamstring injury, with uncapped Scarlets back Macs Page called up.

Dyer was recalled by head coach Steve Tandy after a strong start to the season, but suffered an injury in the process of scoring at Ospreys last weekend.

The 26-year-old faces a spell on the sidelines and has been released to rehabilitate with the Rodney Parade club.

Dyer won the most recent of his 24 caps against South Africa last autumn and missed out on the Six Nations and summer squads.

His misfortune opens the door for uncapped Page, who is called up despite a head injury suffered for Scarlets at Stormers last Saturday.

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Dyer scored his first try of the season at Ospreys after a lively start to the campaign with ball in hand and in the aerial game.

"To be selected and then get an injury is tough," said Wales kicking coach Alex Davies.

"Rio was playing really well for Dragons and his high ball work was excellent. He had been performing really well and fully deserved his spot."

Page scored his fifth try of the season in Cape Town but then hit his head heavily on the ground when attempting to get his sixth.

The 21-year-old was given oxygen as he was helped from the field and will go through the return-to-play protocols before pushing for a first cap.

"In broken field, he is a box of tricks and can definitely expose some of the big players in the wide channels," said Davies.

"He is an all-action player who is powerful, moves the ball and has a good kicking game."

Page joins Scarlets team-mates Ellis Mee and Blair Murray as an option in the back three along with Louis Rees-Zammit, Tom Rogers, Josh Adams and Gabriel Hamer-Webb.

Page, who can also play at outside centre, was a member of Wales' touring party to Japan in 2025 but did not feature.

Wales play Japan in Cardiff on Saturday, 7 November and then host New Zealand and Australia.

Tandy's side then take on another southern hemisphere opponent on Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium at the end of the month.

Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow has returned to training after suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle on 17 October.

Dragons lock Ben Carter is going through the return to play protocols after suffering a head injury at Ospreys on Saturday.

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