FINAL AGONY AS SHINGLER RULED OUT FOR WALES
Leinster 40 Scarlets 32
FLANKER Aaron Shingler and wing Ashton Hewitt will miss Wales’ summer Tests against South Africa and Argentina.
Shingler damaged his knee in the Scarlets’ PRO14 final defeat in Dublin.
He was set to make a 5am dash to the airport with 11 of his regional team-mates after the unsuccessful defence of their title against Leinster.
But he was forced off on the stroke of half-time after a trademark surge down field ended with him clutching his knee in pain.
Shingler was able to walk off the pitch, but initial tests found he was unable to take his place on the plane to Washington, ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Springboks.
Cardiff Blues’ Josh Turnbull has been called into the squad to replace him.
Dragons’ Hewitt suffered a shoulder injury in training on Thursday.
Scott Williams, who departs the Scarlets for rivals Ospreys at the end of the season, looked to have damaged a shoulder in the game but was cleared to travel.
The 40-32 defeat was his final game in a Scarlets shirt, and head coach Wayne Pivac said: “He has been a great player for us.
“He has come through the system, and is a local boy who is very proud to pull on the jersey every time he plays.
“Scott made a tough decision to move and we have been very supportive of that since he made it. He has played a magnificent role for us this year and he will be sorely missed.”