YOUNG Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas has been handed a great chance to cement a Wales squad place for years to come.

New Wales coach Mike Ruddock has called him up for Wales' tour of Argentina and South Africa next month as replacement for Llanelli Scarlets' Iestyn Thomas.

The former Ebbw Vale prop has aggravated bruising to his shoulder which means he has to avoid contact for at least four weeks.

"Iestyn has been unfortunate but a good rest and the chance to train well throughout the summer should see him right for next season," said Ruddock.

"This now gives Rhys the chance to join the tour party and show what he can do at the highest level. "He will gain invaluable experience which will pay dividends for him in the future."

Thomas, born in South Africa with a Newport-born father, was highly rated by former Wales coach Steve Hansen after starring for Wales Under-21s in ten appearances in 2001 and 2002 and particularly in the 2003 Under-21s World Cup.

A strong scrummager and mobile front row with a habit of scoring tries, he impressed in five full Celtic League appearances towards the end of last season against tough opposition.

He scored one try for the Dragons and three for Newport, for whom he played eight full games and seven as replacement in the Welsh Premier Division last season.

He began his rugby career in South Africa at King Edward VII High School in Johannesberg before his family returned to Newport where he joined Newport Youth in 2000.