Wainwright ruled out of summer tour to South Africa
WALES back-rower Aaron Wainwright will miss this summer’s tour of South Africa after a stress fracture in his heel. The 24-year-old will also miss the end of the Dragons’ season but the issue is not expected to hamper him into next year.
Dragons boss Dean Ryan said: “Waino will be out for eight to 10 weeks and that will involve him missing the summer. Ross [Moriarty] and Leon [Brown] are both nerve injuries and are trying to recover. Leon has a shoulder stinger and Ross has an ongoing leg [issue]. We will be working with them but I don’t know the answer with that.
“We’re in contact with everybody at Wales with all these things. Will [Rowlands] is a shoulder and we are seeing some improvement. We’re working Elliot [Dee] back into that space as well.”
Meanwhile Ospreys fly-half Stephen Myler has signed a contract extension to remain with the Welsh region for another season. The once-capped England international joined the region in 2020 from London Irish, becoming Toby Booth’s first signing.
The 37-year-old has played 26 games, kicked 39 conversions and 48 penalties in his two seasons so far. His new contract will mark his 20th year and his 21st season as a professional rugby player.
Myler said: “This was an easy decision because I am happy here and feel like I am making a contribution. I’m still motivated. Being able to make a contribution, have an impact and have the trust of the coaches has been important to me. I’m looking forward to continuing my part in the Ospreys’ journey, building on what we’ve put in place, and seeing where this group can go.
Ospreys boss Booth said: “Stephen has added real value since he arrived at the Ospreys, both on and off the field. His experience and leadership qualities have made a real difference to a predominately young squad.”
Myler signs his deal amid uncertainty over the Ospreys’ future. Dropping one of the four Welsh regions is among the recommendations in a report commissioned by the WRU. The findings will be discussed next week by the Professional Game Board.
Scotland A will play a competitive fixture this June when they take on Chile in the first match of the 2022 summer tour, ahead of the three-test series in Argentina. The match will take place on Saturday June 25 in Santiago.