Uncapped Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell has been named in the Wales squad for this summer’s South Africa tour.
Bridgend-born Reffell, a former Wales under-20s captain, is rewarded for a succession of outstanding displays during Tigers’ Gallagher Premiership title push this term.
He is joined by uncapped Cardiff number eight James Ratti in a 33-man group for three Tests against the world champion Springboks in July.
Elsewhere, Ospreys back George North is recalled 14 months after his last Test match appearance because of a serious knee injury, with 150-times-capped lock Alun Wyn Jones also chosen. However, experienced Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies and Bristol fly-half Callum Sheedy have been left out.
Despite the presence of Jones, who was Wales’ 2019 World Cup skipper and led them to the Six Nations title last year, fly-half Dan Biggar remains as skipper.
Biggar took over leadership duties for this season’s Six Nations while Jones continued his recovery from a long-term shoulder problem.
The 36-year-old lock returned to Wales action against Italy in March, but he has only played four games since undergoing two operations to rectify an injury he suffered seven months ago.
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- May 19, 2022
