Alun Wyn Jones is not expected to resume his role as Wales captain this summer.
Jones is poised to be named in Wayne Pivac's squad on Wednesday for the upcoming tour of South Africa, but is likely to only be involved as a senior player rather than a captain, with team-mate Dan Biggar set to continue as skipper. It will be the first time since taking over the captaincy from Sam Warburton that Jones has not been named skipper for a campaign when fit and available.
Jones has played just four matches since his return from a shoulder injury suffered during the clash with New Zealand in October last year, with his 150th Test coming in the 22-21 Six Nations defeat to Italy.
There had previously been a suggestion that Jones might be rested for the three-Test trip, but the importance of this series has grown on the back of a hugely disappointing Six Nations campaign, with Wales suffering defeats to Ireland, England, France, as well as the Azzurri on the final day. Jones' lack of action for large parts of this season also means his need for games is greater than previously anticipated.
Biggar, in the absence of Jones, took up the captaincy for the tournament, winning his 100th cap in the process, and Pivac is set to keep the faith in the fly-half ahead of the upcoming showdown with the Springboks. He is believed to be a popular choice among players and impressed in the role earlier this year.
Wales are set to carefully manage Jones, who also saw his spot in the second row filled in by Adam Beard during the recent Championships. What sort of role the Ospreys star plays this summer remains to be seen, with Jones eyeing up a potential fifth World Cup next year, at which point he'll be 38.
Wales name the squad on Wednesday, with George North expected to return and Leicester Tigers' Tommy Reffell being tipped to get his first call-up. You can follow the announcement live on WalesOnline on Wednesday at 12.30pm.
