Wales have called on the services of South African hooker Brad Roberts after Ken Owens was ruled out of the Test against New Zealand through injury.

The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Ulster, most recently as a try-scoring replacement against Connacht last weekend.

Durban-born Roberts is eligible to play for Wales through his paternal grandmother, who hailed from Llandysul.

He played in Wales in the early stages of his career and was drafted into Ulster’s senior squad in 2020 after firing for Rainey Old Boys in the Energia All-Ireland League.

Roberts is not in the squad for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks, but has been drafted into the squad as cover for the experienced Owens, who will miss the match due to a back injury.

Owens has joined a lengthy Welsh injury list, which includes Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, and Taulupe Faletau.

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