Alun Wyn Jones, one of three remaining players from the starting lineup when Wales last beat Australia in 2008, will miss Saturday’s encounter against the Wallabies at the Principality Stadium following the death of his father, Tim.
Jones, the 108-cap second row who led the Lions in the series-deciding third Test against Australia in 2013, was in line to captain Wales in the absence of Sam Warburton, who has been released to his region Cardiff Blues to gain match fitness after cheek and neck injuries.
Wales will name their captain on Thursday and in Dan Lydiate and Gethin Jenkins have forwards who have worn the armband before, but Jones, who started the 21-18 success in Cardiff eight years ago with Jenkins and the centre Jamie Roberts, is the third of the regular back-five forwards to miss the match following Warburton and the injured No8 Taulupe Faletau.
“The thoughts and prayers of the WRU and the national squad are with Alun Wyn Jones and his family following the passing of his father. Due to this, Alun Wyn will not be considered for selection this weekend,” read a Wales Rugby Union statement.
Wales have the experienced Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies available in the second row, but Jake Ball has yet to be passed fit for selection having suffered a rib injury playing for the Scarlets at Saracens last month.
The London Welsh chairman, Bleddyn Phillips, has resigned in a week when a high court petition brought by HM Revenue and Customs to have the Championship club wound up was adjourned until next month.
The case was put back to 12 December after the court was told that the club hoped to be able to pay £250,000 by then. In his resignation statement Phillips, who was chairman during the two stints London Welsh had in the Premiership this decade, suggested he was not leaving by choice.
“Much as I would have wished to continue, it has been made clear to me that it will only be possible to pursue certain opportunities if I elect to stand down as chairman and, in the best interests of the club – as I have always sought to act – I am prepared so to do,” he said. “I wish this great club all the very best for the future.”
