Uncapped Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins has been called up to the Wales squad for their summer tour of New Zealand.
Jenkins replaces Dan Lydiate, who will miss his country’s tour after suffering a shoulder injury against England on Sunday. Lydiate, who made four starts in the RBS 6 Nations this year, was captain of his country at Twickenham yesterday in the absence of Sam Warburton. Jenkins, a former Wales U20 captain, has been given the nod by Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland over Scarlets’ Olympics Sevens prospect James Davies.
A Welsh Rugby Union statement read: “Ellis Jenkins has been called into Wales’ squad to tour New Zealand after injury to Dan Lydiate. “Lydiate, who led Wales against England at Twickenham this afternoon, has suffered a shoulder injury which he will fail to recover from in time for the three-test series. “Uncapped Cardiff Blues flanker Jenkins, a former Wales U20 captain, will link up with the squad before they depart for New Zealand on Monday evening.” Wales are already missing wing Alex Cuthbert and flanker Justin Tipuric for the three-Test tour of New Zealand which starts in Auckland on June 11. Captain Warburton missed Sunday’s 27-13 defeat to England due to injury but is expected to be fit for the first Test. And Jenkins offers natural open-side cover for Blues teammate Warburton, with both playing together for their club this season. The uncapped 23-year-old has often worn the No.7 jersey at BT Cardiff Arms Park this season with Warburton switching to blindside. Gloucester back-rower Ross Moriarty is now expected to start at six for Wales in the first Test. The other back-rowers in the Wales squad flying out to New Zealand are Taulupe Faletau, James King and Josh Turnbull. Wales depart for their three Test tour on Monday evening.
