UNCAPPED Dragons duo Ashton Hewitt and Aaron Wainwright have been called up to the Wales squad for the summer Tests against South Africa and Argentina.

Wing Hewitt and back row forward Wainwright have been summoned by Warren Gatland along with Ospreys prop Rhodri Jones as replacements for the England-based trio of Luke Charteris, Josh Adams and Tomas Francis along with injured Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi.

Wales’ clash with the Springboks in Washington on June 2 takes place outside World Rugby’s official Test window and Bath’s Charteris, Worcester’s Adams and Exeter’s Francis will not be released by Premiership Rugby.

Gatland has decided to leave them out entirely even though they are available for the June double-header with the Pumas, opening the door for Dragons duo Hewitt and Wainwright.

The former earns a second call-up and the 23-year-old from Newport will be desperate to win his first cap after being forced to pull out of the 2017 Six Nations squad with concussion.

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Wainwright’s selection caps a remarkable rise after he profited from the region’s glut of injuries in the back row to enjoy a breakthrough season.

The 20-year-old from Bassaleg, who only took up rugby at 17 after previously being on Cardiff City’s books, was supposed to be spending the season learning the ropes with Newport in the Premiership but instead became a firm fixture in Bernard Jackman’s squad.

He made his debut against Cardiff Blues in October and went on to feature in 25 of 26 games with his exploits earning the Dragons’ young player of the season award.

"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,” said Gatland.

"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 Rugby World Cup 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."

Wing George North, who is heading for the Ospreys from Northampton, and back row forward Ross Moriarty, who is Dragons-bound from Gloucester, are able to tour.