Roberts handed armband as Wales call up 13 new faces for June Tests

Jamie Roberts is to captain Wales for their June Tests against Tonga and Samoa, with interim head coach Robin McBryde including 13 new faces in his 32-man squad.

With regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones among the Welsh contingent not available for selection due to their involvement with the British and Irish Lions, Harlequins centre Roberts will take over the role.

Roberts has 91 caps for his country and spoke of his pride at being made captain.

"I'm immensely honoured to be named captain of Wales for this year's summer tour," he said.

"It's a proud moment for myself, but more importantly my family and a position of responsibility that I will take huge pride in.

"I'm excited for the new players in the squad as they get the chance to test themselves at this level, and also for the more established players who now have a chance to become leaders in this team."

WRU TV | Roberts, McBryde and Edwards discuss Wales' upcoming tour following today's squad announcement. pic.twitter.com/SkxjPjqI0q

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) May 9, 2017

Roberts will lead a team made up largely of Test rookies, with Adam Beard, Seb Davies, Ryan Elias, Ollie Griffiths, Wyn Jones, Rory Thornton and Thomas Young among the new faces in the forwards.

In the backs, Aled Davies, Steff Evans, Keelan Giles, Owen Williams, Rhun Williams and Tomos Williams are all in contention to make their Test bows.

TOUR NEWS | Roberts to lead Wales squad featuring 13 uncapped players on their two-Test summer tour: https://t.co/Bm0UP47lmR pic.twitter.com/qNI82IRvMK

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) May 9, 2017

Wales face Tonga at Eden Park in Auckland on June 16th, before taking on Samoa in Apia a week later.

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