WALES boss Robin McBryde said taking a risk for the short term with the comeback of Newport Gwent Dragons’ Hallam Amos to solve their full-back problems was never an option.

Gareth Anscombe, usually a fly-half, looks likely to wear 15 in the Test against Tonga a week on Friday in the absence of Lions duo Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams.

Exeter’s Phil Dollman was called up for injured Cardiff Blues prospect Rhun Williams only to suffer a serious knee injury in the Aviva Premiership final.

That means that Wales will head into their Tests against Tonga and Samoa with a makeshift full-back with Anscombe or Rhys Patchell, who play 10 for their clubs, or Scarlets wing Steff Evans their options.

Dual-contracted Amos, who started all three Tests against New Zealand on the wing last summer, would have been favourite to be handed the 15 jersey at Eden Park with head coach Warren Gatland previously stating he sees the Dragon’s long-term future there.

However, the 22-year-old from Cross Ash has not played since suffering a shoulder injury attempting to score against Australia in the opening autumn international last November and despite being close to a return, failed to get the green light for a regional comeback in the Guinness PRO12 run-in.

“Hallam was at the Vale working very hard on his fitness but we were waiting for his shoulder to be 100 per cent and it didn’t get to that stage,” said McBryde, holding the reins this summer in the absence of Lions boss Gatland and his assistant Rob Howley.

“Because of the nature of the injury it didn’t make any sense to try and rush him back. We tested it and gave it as much time as possible to get his shoulder strength back. It didn’t get back so we couldn’t consider him then.

“It’s a two-match tour at the end of the day. You’ve got to look a little bit further down the road at World Cups etcetera and for such a young man you have to make sure that everything is right.

“The nature of the game, it’s so physical, it would have been foolish really.”

In May Dragons boss Kingsley Jones urged Wales to leave Amos home to build towards next season after a 2016/17 in which the wing/full-back played just six times, scoring three tries.

“Hallam has got a bit of experience [at international level] but it would be a big ask for anyone to not play a lot of rugby this season then go on a tough tour,” he said.

“They will be playing in tough matches against South Sea Islanders. The sensible thing would be to leave him behind.”

McBryde agreed and Wales flew to New Zealand yesterday for their Eden Park clash with Tonga on Friday week with a clash against Samoa taking place in Apia seven days later.