Aaron Wainwright: Wales number eight prepares for Dragons return

Wales begin against Fiji on Sunday, 10 November at Principality Stadium, before playing Australia (17 November) and South Africa (23 November) in Cardiff, with Gatland hoping Wainwright can prove his fitness.

“I did speak to him a few weeks ago and said that I didn’t want him to feel he had to push himself to play,” said Gatland.

“Even if he was a week or so off being fit, we’d still have selected him in the squad and given him a few weeks of training. But I understand he’s fit this weekend.”

Dragons prop Leon Brown is another player recovering from long-term injury and has featured in three URC games this season.

The 27-year-old has not been included in the autumn squad, with Wales and Dragons in dialogue about his future.

“Wales and us have a plan to make sure we prolong his rugby journey,” said Flanagan.

Dragons will also decide whether to field Brown this weekend.

“Leon has had two big shifts and we have two good young tight-heads in the squad,” said Flanagan.

“He could be a supporting role this week off the bench if we choose to use him.”