Wales coach Gareth Jenkins is expected to name Gareth Thomas and James Hook on Monday in his squad for Wales’ summer tour of Australia.
Jenkins is set to name a 28-man squad for the two-Test trip Down Under with Hook given the chance to further his claims to be Wales’ No 10 at the World Cup as regular fly-half and captain Stephen Jones stays at home.
Llanelli Scarlets star Jones is one of at least 16 players being rested from the trip in order to work on their conditioning.
He is set to be joined by Dwayne Peel, Shane Williams, Kevin Morgan, Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Chris Horsman, Ian Gough, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Alix Popham, Martyn Williams, Duncan Jones and hooker Rhys Thomas.
All of those who will remain in Wales will undergo a strenuous fitness programme.
