Wales defence coach Steve Tandy has been handed a boost, with tighthead Archie Griffin set to return from injury before the autumn.
The prop didn't feature in the summer, after undergoing an exploratory toe procedure. With Tomas Francis and Keiron Assiratti also missing the summer, it left Tandy particularly short on that side of the scrum.
Griffin return and Hennessey recovery
However, Griffin's club Bath have revealed the 25-year-old is set to return during the first block of the Gallagher Prem. That should make him available for selection ahead of Tests against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in November.
Another of Bath's Welsh contingent, Louie Hennessey, is also closing in on a return. The one-cap centre had to withdraw from Wales' summer squad to have a shoulder operation. Bath's head of medical services, Rory Murray, has confirmed that he is rehabilitating with the club's medical team and is preparing to start the new season - although no exact timeframe was offered.
Rees-Zammit ready for big year
Louis Rees-Zammit says he's feeling ready and prepared ahead of a huge year for club and country. The Welsh back returned to training with Bristol Bears this week after an extended break away from the game following Wales duty over the summer.
Rees-Zammit is heading into his second campaign with the Ashton Gate side, having had two years away from the game while pursuing his NFL dream. With a World Cup on the horizon in 2027, Rees-Zammit says he knows he needs a big season for the Bears. He says he's fit and raring to go.
"This second season for me is quite big and I think I've had a good couple of weeks of work now heading into pre-season Monday with Bristol," he said.
"I know the boys have been training for a couple of months but I'm looking forwards to getting back integrated with the boys and getting back to full-on rugby sessions.
"I know how big this year is heading into a World Cup, one of the most enjoyable years to play rugby is one season heading into a World Cup and obviously I went to the 2023 World Cup and that was one of the best experiences of my life so but I know I've got to have a really good year this year and I'm looking forward to starting it strong and hopefully at Bristol we can do some good things this year.
"It's about putting the good performances in and especially for me now settling in last year into rugby, obviously being away for two years but I think this year now it's a real big one and I'm feeling ready and and I'm feeling prepared."
Spencer to miss start of season
As part of Bath's injury update, it was confirmed that club captain and England scrum-half Ben Spencer will miss the start of the new campaign following surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury.
The 34-year-old was part of England's summer squad for the Nations Championship, coming on as a replacement in the 31-24 win away to Argentina on July 18. He had missed two games for Bath in April after injuring his shoulder, but managed to return to finish the campaign.
"Ben will not be available for the opening rounds of the Gallagher Prem," read an injury update on Bath's website. "He will return later in the autumn." Bath begin the new campaign at Harlequins on Friday, September 25.
Ireland call up seven uncapped players
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has named seven uncapped players in a 36-strong training squad ahead of the WXV Global Series. Forwards Jemima Adams Verling, Sophie Barrett, Beth Buttimer and Kate Jordan will hope to make Test debuts next month, in addition to backs Caitriona Finn, Lucia Linn and Alana McInerney.
Ireland play the United States and Japan at home in September, before a pair of October Tests against South Africa in the new format of WXV. They also face a second game against Japan which does not form part of the series.
Munster trio Buttimer, Finn and McInerney were involved in the wider Six Nations squad this year, as were Connacht lock Adams Verling and Ulster prop Barrett. Second row Jordan and centre Linn have been called up for the first time.
Bemand said in a statement: "The WXV Global Series is a hugely exciting addition to the international calendar and creates meaningful, high-level competition for players and teams at a crucial point in the season."
