the return of LRZ... and Tandy's first Wales squad

STEVE Tandy named his first squad as Wales head coach yesterday, with plenty of talking points in his autumn selection.

- 

There was a surprise return for Rhys Carre, as well as five uncapped players included.

With the likes of Louis Rees-Zammit, Joe Hawkins, Callum Sheedy, Rhys Davies and Nick Tompkins all back, it's fair to say the new boss had left his mark on his first Wales squad. Here's everything he had to say afterwards...

How did you find picking your first Wales squad?

"IT was probably long for the other coaches but we enjoyed the process. It's been a window. We've watched a lot of footage, watched live games and going to training grounds, speaking to a lot of coaches and getting feedback on players. Yesterday was a pretty long day, and the day before, but it's been brilliant to be thorough and go through the options we have.

"Then coming to the end point last night, with squad selections, has been great for us. It's been an awesome process. Going into the autumn and our first campaign has been exciting and we really can't wait until Monday."

Was Louis Rees-Zammit always going to be a part of this squad?

"ZAMMO, when you get someone of the quality of Zammo back, I've had conversations with him to see where he was physically. The way he's come back in, you see what he can do in the game. You saw moments from the Saracens game. The learnings he'd had from American football. I think he was always going to be back in the squad."

How is Rhys Carre available with just 20 caps?

"THE Professional Rugby Board have approved him to play. That gives me real excitement to have him available for us and to bring him into the autumn. The way he's playing for Saracens is outstanding. Saracens are playing really well at the minute and he's having huge impacts. It's really exciting to have him back. We've got some really good looseheads but it adds to that depth which is great."

Can you now pick other players who might be captured by the 25-cap rule?