Full Wales fixture list Wales centre on Henson

Charteris has impressed at lock with the Dragons, while back row Jones has sparkled for the Ospreys.

Jones' regional team-mate Gavin Henson is named as a centre, although many believe his best position is fly-half.

Blues wing Craig Morgan returns to the squad, getting his chance as Mark Jones and Dafydd James are injured.

Jones, 6ft 5in and 23 years old, and Charteris, two years younger and four inches taller, are the only uncapped players in the 29-man squad.

"We are playing some of the top nations in world rugby in just over a month's time and are all very much looking forward to the challenge," Wales coach Mike Ruddock said.

"A particular welcome must go out to Luke Charteris and Ryan Jones, who have the potential to pick up their first caps during the series.

"Both have impressed, Ryan in his regional performances this season and Luke through his career in under-age rugby and his appearances with the Dragons."

There is no reason why people can't play themselves back into contention Wales coach Mike Ruddock

Ruddock has been denied the services of several players through injury or illness.

Scarlets wing Mark Jones and Harlequins centre James are big losses, but Welsh rugby has strength in depth in the backs.

Of more concern are injuries to hookers Robin McBryde and Huw Bennett, leaving Mefin Davies and Gareth Williams as the men in possession.

Davies has been forced to play for Premiership club side Neath after failing to win a regional contract, although on the request of the Wales management he has been getting some game time with the Ospreys.

Blues hooker Williams will be hoping to put an injury-blighted season behind him and re-establish himself in the Wales pecking order.

"We have picked 29 players but there is a degree of flexibility that could allow one or two more to come into the squad," Ruddock added.

"There are a number of players who went on the summer tour who are unlucky to have missed out because others have returned from injury.

"But there are plenty of games between now and the start of the autumn series and there is no reason why people can't play themselves back into contention."

Ruddock is set to announce who his captain is later this week, after asking candidates - including last season's skipper Colin Charvis - to interview for the position.

Backs: Full-backs/wings: G Thomas (Toulouse), S Williams (Ospreys), R Williams (Cardiff Blues), C Morgan (Cardiff Blues). Centres: M Taylor (Llanelli Scarlets), G Henson (Ospreys), S Parker (Ospreys), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues). Outside-halves: S Jones (Montferrand), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons). Scrum-halves: D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), G Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Forwards:Props: Duncan Jones (Ospreys), I Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys). Hookers: G Williams (Cardiff Blues), M Davies (Neath). Locks: B Cockbain (Ospreys), M Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), G Llewellyn (Narbonne), R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues). Back row: J Thomas (Ospreys), Dafydd Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), C Charvis (Newcastle), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys), A Popham (Leeds).