NEWPORT Gwent Dragons full-back/wing Hallam Amos has been ruled out of Wales’ tour to South Africa because of a shoulder injury.

The 19-year-old, who was capped against Tonga last autumn, will have an operation on Friday and is set to be out of action until September.

The problem wasn’t causing Amos any discomfort but going under the knife this week rather than in mid-June should ensure he only misses a few weeks of the new season for the Dragons.

The teenager had been named in the probables squad for next Friday’s Wales trial match at the Liberty Stadium and Warren Gatland has not yet called up a replacement.

Amos’ regional teammate Tom Prydie could benefit from his injury as the 22-year-old is set to feature for the possibles and could be needed in the tour game against Eastern Province Kings.

The Wales management did not consider new Dragons recruit Lee Byrne for South Africa despite being impressed with his form for Clermont Auvergne this season.

Attempts were made to contact the 33-year-old about featuring in the Tonga Test last autumn but the 46-times capped full-back did not respond to calls.