Warburton returns to lead Wales on tour of New Zealand

  • 11/05/2016
Sam Warburton (Reuters)
Sam Warburton (Reuters)

Welsh coach Warren Gatland has named an experienced 35-strong squad for their four match tour of New Zealand in June.

Former Chiefs and Blues utility Gareth Anscombe was named in the squad and could get a crack against the All Blacks.

His chances of a Test start look promising, with Toulon fullback Leigh Halfpenny ruled out.

Also missing with injuries are wing Alex Cuthbert and flanker Justin Tipuric.

Sam Warburton's recovered from a shoulder injury and will captain the Red Dragons - and second rower Alun Wyn Jones is also on the comeback trail.  

The squad has an average of more than 30 caps per player.

"We have picked a squad that is packed full of experience for what is going to be a challenging, but exciting, five-match campaign," Gatland said.

"We are in a great position in terms of the experience in the squad, especially when you look at the age of most of the players."

Wales play England on May 29 before heading to New Zealand the following day, with their first game against the All Blacks on June 11 in Auckland.

The Chiefs will also host Wales in Hamilton on June 14, before two more Tests against the All Blacks on June 18 and June 25.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Lloyd Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Hallam Amos, Matthew Morgan, Tom James, George North, Eli Walker, Liam Williams

Forwards: Rob Evans, Tomas Francis, Paul James, Gethin Jenkins, Rhodri Jones, Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Jake Ball, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Toby Faletau, James King, Dan Lydiate, Ross Moriarty, Josh Turnbull, Sam Warburton (captain)

Newshub / Reuters