COACH Sam Vesty reckons it is a “crying shame” that an agreement between Premiership clubs has dashed Josh Adams’ hopes of playing for Wales this summer.

Adams, 23, was rewarded for a superb season at Warriors with a call-up to the Wales squad ahead of their clash with South Africa on Saturday, June 2.

But the flying wing has been denied a chance to add to his two caps next month after being dropped over a ruling for England-based players.

The match between Wales and Springboks falls outside World Rugby’s designated window which begins on the weekend of June 9 and runs until June 24.

As all 12 Premiership clubs have agreed to the governing body’s regulations on player availability for internationals Warriors have not released Adams.

The Swansea-born ace would have been eligible to play in Wales’ two Tests against Argentina on Saturday, June 9 and Saturday, June 16 only for his unavailability for the South Africa game to scupper his chances.

However Vesty is confident Adams will bounce back from the disappointment and keep himself firmly in the mix for selection for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

“It’s a crying shame,” said Northampton Saints-bound Vesty.

“I understand why that rule is in place, but I wish a bit of common sense can be applied sometimes. I think that rule is there to stop the bigger names who have played a lot of rugby for many years save their bodies, not to stop young lads getting an opportunity.

“I am just gutted for him and I wish for Josh’s sake that it had not been actioned.”

Gatland has also released Bath lock Luke Charteris and Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis as they find themselves in the same situation as Adams.

Uncapped Dragons wing Ashton Hewitt is now set to get the opportunity to shine after replacing Adams in the side.

“It would have been an opportunity (for Adams) to put himself in the window,” added Vesty who was instrumental in bringing Adams to Warriors in 2015.

“But if he goes and plays really well next year and continues his good form I think they would struggle to leave him out.

“It was an opportunity that I am sure he would have liked to have taken. I am sure he will bounce back as he is a good player and there are some positives as he will get a break and hopefully come back strong.”

Gatland said he was “really disappointed” for Adams, Charteris and Francis.

“It was a great opportunity for them to play for their country, press their claim in an important year and it is a shame supporters will not get to see them in the red of Wales,” he said.

“The situation is very clear for players playing in England going forward and heading into a Rugby World Cup year.”

A Premiership Rugby spokesman said: “The policy of the Premiership Rugby clubs is to comply with World Rugby Regulation 9, and only release players for Test matches inside the official Test window.”