Roberts put on Bok burner

JAMIE ROBERTS will miss Wales’ clash with South Africa after he was threatened with disciplinary action by his club side Harlequins.

The former Lions centre wanted to stay with Warren Gatland’s squad and be considered for selection against the Springboks in Cardiff on Saturday.

But as the match falls outside World Rugby’s designated Test window, he has been recalled by Quins for Premiership duty.

English clubs are not required to release Wales players outside that period and Quins told Roberts he must return to training ahead of Sunday’s game with Saracens.

In contrast, Bath have allowed No8 Taulupe Faletau to be picked for a fixture that is set to earn the Welsh Rugby Union around £2.5million.

However, the West Country club could now face sanctions from Premiership Rugby. Four years ago Northampton were fined £60,000 for allowing George North to play for Wales in a Test outside the official window.

Gloucester’s Owen Williams, Exeter’s Tomas Francis and Bath’s Rhys Priestland are all unavailable. Roberts’ absence means Hadleigh Parkes is set to make his debut even though the New Zealand-born centre only finishes the required threeyear residency period on Friday, just a day before the game.

Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins said: “Hadleigh has been outstanding for the Scarlets and has been a great addition to the squad. He carries exceptionally well and defensively is very good. He has a nice subtlety to his game.”

The availability of Faletau is a big boost to Gatland after he lost Jake Ball (shoulder) and Justin Tipuric (thigh) to injuries against New Zealand and he hopes Rhys Webb and Scott Williams will be fit after suffering knocks.