Hooker Huw Bennett has tonight been ruled out of Wales‘ summer tour to South Africa after suffering ankle ligament damage during Shane Williams’ testimonial game last weekend.

Bennett becomes the sixth Grand Slam-winner to withdraw from the two-Test trip to face the world champions, joining Gavin Henson, Lee Byrne, Martyn Williams, Dwayne Peel and Mike Phillips on the sidelines.

Richard Hibbard, Bennett’s Ospreys colleague, has been called into the Wales training camp ahead of the squad’s departure but has not yet been confirmed as a replacement for the tour.

Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies said: “After consultation this morning we can confirm Huw will not be fit enough to join the South Africa tour party.

“We know he won’t travel due to the ligament damage he has sustained to his left ankle, but are awaiting further test results to determine precisely how long he will be in recovery.”