TEIFI man Scott Williams has been called up for the Wales squad just days before their autumn series opener against New Zealand.

The 31 year-old comes in to replace Cardiff's Willis Halaholo after news on Tuesday that he had tested positive for Covid-19.

The Scarlets centre has not played for Wales since August 2019, but has been in fine form for this season after returning from Ospreys.

In the United Rugby Championship, he delivered a player-of-the-match display in the win over Benetton Rugby last weekend.

Newcastle Emlyn star Williams has 58 international caps, with his most recent one coming just before the World Cup two years ago.

It will be a welcome return for the centre, who has not played for Wales under Pivac, and has battled back from long-term injuries.

The No 12 spot against the All Blacks will now come down to Johnny Williams, young Ben Thomas and the experienced Williams.

Halaholo will miss the match against the country of his birth on Saturday as he is now isolating away from the national squad for 10 days.

A statement from the WRU confirmed: "Scarlets centre Scott Williams has been called into Wales’ squad for the Autumn Nations Series.

"Williams, who has previously won 58 caps, has been called in to the squad to replace fellow midfielder Uilisi (Willis) Halaholo, who has tested positive for Covid-19.

"Halaholo is now isolating, away from national squad camp, for 10 days.

"The WRU has notified, and is working closely with, Public Health Wales on the matter."

New Zealand-born Halaholo qualifies for Wales on residency grounds and made his Test debut earlier this year.

He revealed on social media that a family relative had passed away from Covid-19 just before he tested positive.

He said “Been a rough 24 hours. Found out my aunty (pretty much a 2nd mum to me) passed away late last night.

"Then wake up this morning and test positive and be unavailable for a game that I’ve worked hard towards since it was announced. Gutted.”

Halaholo's absence is the latest blow for Wales head coach Wayne Pivac ahead of the autumn opener against New Zealand with almost 20 players missing for the fixture.

England-based players Dan Biggar, Callum Sheedy, Louis Rees-Zammit, Taulupe Faletau, Nick Tompkins, Thomas Young and Christ Tshiunza are unavailable to play against the All Blacks because the game falls outside World Rugby's international window.

Wales are also facing an injury crisis, with Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, George North, Dan Lydiate, James Botham and Leigh Halfpenny ruled out of the entire autumn series.

Ellis Jenkins and Liam Williams are doubtful to face New Zealand.

Ospreys winger Alex Cuthbert has been called into Wales’ squad, having made his last appearance for Wales in November 2017, against Georgia.

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac is due to announce his starting line-up on Thursday.