Keiron Assiratti has been ruled out of Wales’ summer international programme after sustaining a calf injury during Cardiff’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final defeat to the Stormers at the end of May.
The setback is another concern for Wales head coach Steve Tandy, who is already without experienced tight-head props Tomas Francis and Archie Griffin. Francis is being rested for the summer schedule, while Griffin is recovering from surgery.
Assiratti, who has earned 19 international caps for Wales national rugby union team, becomes the second player to withdraw from the squad after Louie Hennessey was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Front-Row Concerns Grow
Wales have not officially named a replacement, although Rhys Henry has been seen training with the squad.
The remaining specialist tight-head options include Dillon Lewis, Sam Wainwright and uncapped prop Ben Warren.
Busy Summer Schedule Ahead
Wales begin their summer campaign against the Barbarians at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on 27 June.
They will then compete in the Nations Championship with fixtures against Fiji national rugby union team, Argentina national rugby union team and South Africa national rugby union team scheduled for July.
Tandy originally selected a 48-man training squad, which has now been reduced to 46 following the withdrawals of Assiratti and Hennessey. Further cuts are expected after the Barbarians fixture as Wales finalise their squad for the remainder of the summer campaign.
The loss of Assiratti removes one of Wales’ most experienced front-row options and places additional pressure on the remaining props as the side prepares for a demanding run of international fixtures.
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