Gavin Henson has been handed a chance to impress in Australia

The Osprey utility back, 25, has not played since January because of a knee injury but has been given a chance to stake a claim for World Cup inclusion.

Coach Gareth Jenkins' tour captain is former skipper Gareth Thomas, despite objections from his club Toulouse.

There are recalls for Scarlets pair Dafydd James and Iestyn Thomas, plus Dragons number eight Michael Owen.

Owen was dropped from Wales' RBS Six Nations squad but the Lion has been given a chance to impress alongside fellow Dragons back-row Colin Charvis.

Charvis has been on the finges of the Wales squad but has not played a Test for his country since the 18-18 draw with Italy in March 2006.

Henson is not likely to come into the tour cold, as Jenkins confirmed that the title-chasing Ospreys intend to play Henson in their match at Border Reivers on the final Magners League weekend.

Thomas will captain the 28-man party despite Toulouse hoping to retain him for French Championship commitments.

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The French giants, who Thomas will leave to join Cardiff Blues for next season, are understood to be considering legal action against the 32-year-old for breach of contract.

But Wales maintain that the trip down under is an officially sanctioned International Rugby Board tour and they have first call on Thomas.

Jenkins has opted to rest 16 of his senior players, including skipper Stephen Jones and half-back partner Dwayne Peel, who will remain at home and take part in a summer training camp.

But Ospreys star James Hook will make the trip and contest the number 10 shirt with Ceri Sweeney and perhaps Henson.

The scrum-halves are Mike Phillips, Gareth Cooper and Andy Williams, who will replace Cooper at the Dragons when he quits Bath this summer.

The tourists face Australia in the first Test at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on 26 May, with the return on 2 June at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Also included among the back-row options is Cardiff Blues open-side Robin Sowden-Taylor, who has made a successful return from the broken and dislocated ankle he suffered in September.

The only uncapped players in the squad are Harlequins prop Ceri Jones and Blues back-row Scott Morgan, who is also comfortable at lock.

Gloucester veteran Mefin Davies, who is linked with a move to Leicester, adds experience to the hooking options alongside Ospreys pair Huw Bennett and Richard Hibbard.

There is no place for Scarlets inside centre Gavin Evans, who is out of the tour because of a shoulder injury.

Wales 28-man squad for Test matches against Australia in Sydney on 26 May and Brisbane on 2 June: