Three to miss out on tour

WALES have been forced into making three changes to their summer touring squad as English clubs have refused to release their players early.

Josh Adams, Tomas Francis and Luke Charteris will take no part in Wales’ games against South Africa and Argentina and have been replaced in Warren Gatland’s squad.

The WRU also confirmed backrower Josh Navidi has been ruled out of the tour after dislocating a shoulder in Cardiff Blues’ Challenge Cup final victory.

Ashton Hewitt, Rhodri Jones and Aaron Wainwright have been called up, with Adams, Francis and Charteris not released by their Aviva Premiership sides — Worcester Warriors, Exeter Chiefs and Bath respectively — because the opening match of Wales’ tour falls outside the international window.

Although the trio would effectively be available for the rest of the tour, Gatland’s coaching staff has decided to replace them as they would miss a large chunk of training and preparation.

It means a big opportunity for uncapped Dragons duo Hewitt and Wainwright, as well as Ospreys prop Jones.

With back-rower Wainwright called into the set-up to seemingly replace the crocked Navidi, it looks as though Bath veteran Charteris has not been replaced.

The first match of the tour against South Africa, in Washington on June 2, is outside World Rugby’s international window. Wales then travel to Argentina for two further Tests.

Wales boss Gatland said: “We are really disappointed that Josh, Tomas and Luke have to miss out on the opportunity to tour with Wales and play international rugby this summer.”