Wales without Jamie Roberts after threat of disciplinary action from Harlequins
The Quins centre, who has won 94 caps, reported back for club training on Tuesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wales star Jamie Roberts faced possible disciplinary action by his club Harlequins if he had not returned from Test duty this week, it's understood.
The Quins centre, who has won 94 caps, reported back for club training on Tuesday.
It is thought that Quins, Roberts and his representatives were involved in discussions during the past couple of days after the player initially intimated that he wanted to remain with Wales.
Roberts, though, is now on domestic duty ahead of Quins tackling European champions Saracens at the Twickenham Stoop in five days' time.
Three other Wales squad members - Gloucester back Owen Williams, Bath fly-half Rhys Priestland and Exeter prop Tomas Francis - are also with their clubs.
Wales' Under Armour Series finale against South Africa on Saturday falls outside the World Rugby autumn Test match window, and England's Premiership clubs have a blanket approach not to release players for those games.
That policy remains unchanged and in force this week, but Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau is currently with the Wales squad and is available for Test team selection, along with Bath's on-loan Cardiff Blues prop Scott Andrews.
Bath could be sanctioned by Premiership Rugby if, as expected, Faletau plays against the Springboks. It is further understood that 69 times-capped Faletau has a clause in his Bath contract giving him full release for Wales.
In terms of any Bath punishment, a precedent was set when Premiership Rugby fined Northampton £60,000 after they released Wales wing George North to face Australia outside the 2013 autumn window.
Wales' preparations, meanwhile, have been dealt a double setback with lock Jake Ball and flanker Justin Tipuric both being released from the squad due to injury.
The Welsh Rugby Union announced that Ball suffered a dislocated shoulder during the 33-18 defeat against New Zealand three days ago and will undergo surgery.
Tipuric suffered a thigh muscle injury in the same match and will be heading back to his regional team the Ospreys for ongoing treatment.
Tipuric had a thigh problem earlier in the autumn series, missing the appointments with Australia and Georgia as a result, while he went on as a substitute against New Zealand.
Scrum-half Rhys Webb went off inside 10 minutes of the All Blacks game after suffering a head knock, and Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said: "He is going through his (return to play) protocols, and he is going all right.
"He is trying to tick the boxes, do everything that is needed of him, and hopefully fingers crossed he will be all right for Saturday."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his starting line-up on Thursday, when there could be a debut for Scarlets centre Hadleigh Parkes.
New Zealand-born Parkes, 30, completes a three-year residency qualification this week to be available for Wales.
"Hadleigh has been outstanding for the Scarlets, and he has been a great addition to the squad," Jenkins added.
"I think he has got quite a few strengths. He carries exceptionally well, and defensively he is very good. I think he has got that subtlety to his game as well."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments