The next cabs off the rank... who’ll be out to grasp chance as Wales rest big names?

DRAGONS SIGNINGS WARREN Gatland is planning on resting most of Wales’ Lions stars from June’s Tests with South Africa and Argentina.

Sam Warburton, who skippered the best of British and Irish rugby during last year’s drawn series with World Cup holders New Zealand, and player of the series, Jonathan Davies, won’t be considered because of long-term injuries.

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is another likely to sit out the clash with the Springboks, which takes place on neutral territory in United States capital Washington, and the two Tests with the Pumas in South America.

Hooker Ken Owens, full-back Leigh Halfpenny, flanker Justin Tipuric and outside-half Dan Biggar are also due a rest, with the likely absence of the latter perhaps prompting the return of a familiar face.

The well-documented injury problems endured by Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams and George North this campaign may result in them staying at home to be primed for next year’s World Cup in Japan.

Toulon-bound scrum-half Rhys Webb and Exeter Chiefs signing Alex Cuthbert will be ineligible for Wales next term, so their international careers will go on hold.

So, who’s likely to be in Gatland’s squad, which is set to be named next week, for demanding assignments against 2015 World Cup semi-finalists South Africa and Argentina?

Rugby correspondent ANDY HOWELL has come up with a squad and captain Gatland could pick for demanding assignments...