Wales captain Jac Morgan will miss the rest of the Autumn Nations Series with a dislocated shoulder.
Morgan suffered his injury scoring a try in Sunday’s 52-28 defeat to Argentina and will now sit out the games against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Uncapped Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves has been called up to replace Morgan.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: “We’re all gutted to lose Jac – he’s a world-class player, as well as a great man off the pitch.
“But this gives an opportunity now for someone else and Harri has been performing strongly for the Ospreys for a consistent period.”
Wales’ game with Japan on Saturday (5.40pm kick-off) is a key fixture in the battle to be in Band 2 for the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw on December 3.
Wales and Japan are 12th and 13 in the rankings respectively, with the team 12th after the Autumn Nations Series ending up in Band 2 for the World Cup, with the side 13th in Band 3 – and in a tougher pool.
Japan were the side Wales beat in July to end a record run of 18 defeats in a row.
