Jones leads American tour

Ryan Jones will captain Wales on their summer tour to Canada and the USA after being overlooked for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.

Ospreys' back-row star Jones, who led Wales to the RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam last season, was among three national skippers shunned for Lions duty.

Jones could still make the trip, as the Lions are likely to need a replacement for Munster flanker Alan Quinlan, who faces a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday, but Leicester and England prospect Tom Croft is favourite for any call-up.

Wales' caretaker coach Robin McBryde has named a squad of 32 players, but those selected from the Scarlets or Newport Gwent Dragons will miss out.

One of those teams face a Heineken Cup play-off game scheduled for the same day as Wales' opening tour fixture against Canada in Toronto.

The Ospreys provide three uncapped players in full-back Gareth Owen, centre Jonathan Spratt and prop Craig Mitchell, while a sizeable Cardiff Blues' contingent includes wing Chris Czekaj, who was last capped on tour in Australia in 2007 before suffering a serious leg injury.

The Blues also provide uncapped wing Richard Mustoe and back-row forward Sam Warburton, and there is a recall for their in-form hooker Gareth Williams.

The Dragons and Scarlets, meanwhile, are also well represented on the uncapped front, with the Dragons providing full-back Jason Tovey, plus flankers Dan Lydiate and Lewis Evans, and the Scarlets feature a trio of rookies in centre Jon Davies, plus forwards Josh Turnbull and Rob McCusker.

McBryde said: "We have approached the task of selecting the right blend of youth and experience and with one eye on the future, but a clear focus on the task ahead.

"We are playing two Tests, where the opposition will be gunning for us in their own backyard and we have to show the respect we have for this Wales jersey and put in two performances to make the nation proud."