Autumn Nations Series: Wales' Adam Beard ruled out of South Africa clash as Warren Gatland hit with another blow

ByBecky Hart

Published 18/11/2024 at 18:51 GMT

Adam Beard has been ruled out of this weekend’s match against South Africa in Cardiff, leaving Wales with a growing injury list as they attempt to end their record 11-match losing streak. It will not be an easy task for Warren Gatland’s side, with the world champions in wait at the Principality Stadium on Saturday in their final Autumn Nations Series clash - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Wales will be without the experience of Adam Beard when they take on South Africa on Saturday at the Principality Stadium - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The lock hobbled off just seven minutes into last weekend’s 52-20 defeat to Australia, and Wales Rugby confirmed he had been released from the squad. 

Wales were already without Tomos Williams and Mason Grady - the former suffering a shoulder injury in their 24-19 loss against Fiji, while the latter had to undergo ankle surgery. 

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But Beard’s loss will be felt even more keenly, given his emergence as one of the most experienced members of Warren Gatland’s youthful squad. The 28-year-old has amassed 58 caps for his country since making his debut in 2017. 

Beard has not been replaced in the squad, with Gatland having previously called up Teddy Williams. 

But it means a reshuffle for Gatland, as he looks to end Wales' record losing streak against world champions South Africa - who have already beaten Scotland and England in November. 

Highlights: Eight-try Australia inflict record 11th straight defeat on Wales

Video credit: TNT Sports

“Adam Beard (Ospreys) has been released from the Wales senior men’s squad,” a statement from the Welsh Rugby Union said.

“This is following a knee injury sustained in Sunday’s match against Australia.”

Wales are on a record 11-match losing streak, having last notched a Test victory against Georgia in the group stages of the 2023 World Cup before losing to Argentina in the quarter-finals. 

• Gatland considers Wales future after ‘most challenging’ period as head coach
• ‘Bereft of ideas’ – Wales in ‘dark place’ after record defeat, say Biggar, Warburton
• South Africa boosted by Nche recovery, will 'respect' a 'gutsy' Wales side despite record poor run

If Gatland's side lose on Saturday, their next chance of ending the unwanted streak will be in the opening match of next year's Six Nations - as they start the tournament with a clash against France on January 31.

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