UNCAPPED duo Aaron Wainwright and Ashton Hewitt won't just go on tour to make up the numbers after their late Wales call-ups, says their Dragons boss Bernard Jackman.

Warren Gatland has added the back row forward and winger to his party for the June Tests against South Africa and Argentina because of an injury to flanker Josh Navidi and the unavailability of speedster Josh Adams.

It caps a remarkable rise for Wainwright, who spent last season with Cardiff Met in the Championship and was preparing to learn the ropes with Newport RFC in the Premiership.

The 20-year-old from Bassaleg, who missed out on Wales Under-20s selection last year, made his pro debut at Cardiff Blues in October and went on to miss just one more game when racking up 25 appearances.

It is a second call-up for 23-year-old Hewitt, whose stunning form earned selection for the 2017 Six Nations only for a concussion to force him to pull out.

The pair join Dragons teammates Cory Hill, Elliot Dee and Hallam Amos, plus new recruit Ross Moriarty, in the 30-strong squad and will aim to grasp an unexpected opportunity.

Head coach Jackman has no doubt that his charges possess the quality – and determination – to climb the pecking order to earn first caps against the Springboks or Pumas.

"They were both very much in the picture before this and I know that Aaron was in Wales' thoughts for the Six Nations," said the former Ireland hooker.

"He is a humble, hard-working, talented guy. He was so good for us this season and it was clear in training that he had no respect for the hierarchy, in a good way.

"He gets on with things, is consistent and has got real pace, which can often be the difference between a good regional player and an international one.

"This will be a massive learning experience for him and we saw how Elliot Dee came back from the Six Nations with more confidence and was comfortable with his leadership role.

"For Aaron to be in that environment and mixing with big internationals on a daily basis will be superb and hopefully he will get a taste for it and then chase a Six Nations place and the World Cup."

Wainwright joins back row forwards Moriarty, co-captain Ellis Jenkins, Aaron Shingler and James Davies in the squad, plus versatile lock Seb Davies.

Hewitt barely got the chance to show the international management what he could do in 2017 but will now battle with George North, Steff Evans and Tom Prydie for places out wide with Amos likely to be full-back.

"We feel Ashton is our most dangerous runner and is such a powerful player," said Jackman. "But it was just the way it goes that at the end of the season the ball tended to go to Jared Rosser (the other wing, who scored six in six games).

"Ashton is so good for us on and off the field and deserves this chance. He was unlucky in 2017 and sometimes when you miss out and see others come through then you wonder if it will come again.

"I hope that this time he stays fit and gets a crack, because he is a special player."