11 May 2016

Warburton to lead Wales in New Zealand

6:10 am on 11 May 2016

The Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland has named Sam Warburton to lead a 35-man squad on their tour of New Zealand next month.

Wales captain Sam Warburton challenges Fiji wing Metuisela Talebula during their World Cup pool clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Wales captain Sam Warburton challenges Fiji wing Metuisela Talebula during their World Cup pool clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Photo: AFP

Warburton will lead the side in their game against England at Twickenham this month and then in three-test tour of New Zealand.

The 27-year-old flanker has not played since injuring his shoulder representing his club Cardiff Blues against Ospreys last month.

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.

Injured full back Leigh Halfpenny, whose club team Toulon will be involved in the French top 14 playoffs in June, has not been selected.

Wales play the Chiefs in Hamilton on June 14 before tests against the All Blacks on June 18 and June 25.

They have not beaten New Zealand since 1953 - a run of 26 consecutive defeats.

"It is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves, build on the World Cup and the Six Nations and it's a challenge we are all looking forward to," said Gatland.

"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 and this is going to be another important summer."

Wales squad to tour New Zealand:

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)