Ryan Jones set to lead Wales in North America

Ryan Jones has made himself available for Wales' summer tour of North America after he was left out of the Lions squad.

Robin McBryde, who will coach Wales against Canada and USA, confirmed the captain would be in line to tour.

"I know that Alan Phillips, the [Wales] manager, has spoken to Ryan and he is keen," McBryde told Scrum V Radio.

Jones was the biggest name not to make the Lions tour despite 13 Wales players being selected in the 37-man squad.

McBryde also hinted that Wales could take three fly-halves to North America - James Hook, Nicky Robinson and Dan Biggar.

"They are quality players. Because we lost a lot to the Lions, the strength in depth particularly in the backs isn't as strong as we would have liked it to be," said McBryde.

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"Nicky is playing well, as is James Hook, and Dan Biggar has made the most of his opportunities."

But McBryde said the make up of the squad had yet to be determined, not helped by a busy end to the season including a Heineken League play-off match.

The play-off against the third-placed team in the Italian League is set for Friday, 29 May the day before Wales play Canada, and could involve a Welsh region.

McBryde said if a Welsh team was involved in the play-off the region would have priority over Wales.

"It's going to be hard to put a player in a difficult position to choose between club and country."

On the clash of domestic competitions and international tours McBryde said: "It's a problem that has has occurred in the past. It's not really fair on anyone in the modern professional game.

"That at the end of the season we are taking a national side out that is going to be under-prepared depending on how things end up this season."

Wales take on Canada in Toronto on 30 May, followed by a clash against the US Eagles in Chicago on 6 June.

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