Josh Navidi ruled out of Wales' summer tour following shoulder injury

Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi has been ruled out of the upcoming summer tour for Wales following a shoulder injury that he sustained in the recently concluded European Rugby Challenge Cup final against Gloucester at San Mames Stadium.

The 27-year-old left the field in the seventh minute of the game but despite the setback, the Blues went on to win the encounter 31-30 to register their second title win.

Apart from Navidi, Worcester Warriors' Josh Adams, Exeter Chiefs' Tomas Francis and Bath's Luke Charteris have been removed from the squad after Premiership Rugby declined to release them for the fixture with Ospreys prop Rhodri Jones and Dragons duo Ashton Hewitt and Aaron Wainwright replacing them.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland expressed disappointment on Navidi's injury news and also regretted the absence of Adams, Francis and Charteris.

“It is a blow for Josh to pick up the injury and miss out on the summer. He has been an important player for us over recent campaigns and has really impressed,” 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.

“It was a great opportunity for them to play for their country, press their claim in an important year and it is a shame supporters will not get to see them in the red of Wales.

“The situation is very clear for players playing in England going forward and heading into a RWC year.

“With the players unavailable to link up with the squad until the week of our second test match we have had to replace them in the squad.”

Following the 2nd June fixture against South Africa, Wales will face Argentina in a two-game series on 9th and 16th June.

Wales squad:

Forwards: Rob Evans, Wyn Jones, Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Bradley Davies, Seb Davies, Cory Hill, James Davies, Ellis Jenkins, Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright, Aaron Shingler

Backs: Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Patchell, Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Scott Williams, Hallam Amos, Steff Evans, Ashton Hewitt, George North, Tom Prydie