Wales manager Warren Gatland has emphasised the importance of their upcoming summer Test matches ahead of the 2019 World Cup, according to a report on the Western Telegraph.

Wales are scheduled to face South Africa in June before playing against Argentina twice.

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The manager is expected to leave out several key first-team players from the squad which will travel in the summer, but he believes it is a chance for the younger players to prove that they’re worthy of being selected for the World Cup.

Wales had an impressive Six Nations campaign this year and finished in second place behind Grand Slam winners Ireland. Gatland is eager to continue the progression of the team by having a successful World Cup tournament.

He said:

We have laid out our ambition to go to Japan and to be successful in 2019 and this summer is another important step on that path.

We believe we have a squad that is capable of doing very special things. We are excited about what we can do.

We have put together a structure that will provide the squad with the very best preparation and we are continuing to build really well.

This summer will be a great experience for the squad, especially some of the younger players. For the players on tour, it’s a chance to grab the opportunity with both hands and when they get their hands on the jersey not to let it go.