WALES head coach Warren Gatland has voiced his anger at recalled wing Josh Adams being stopped from joining up with his squad earlier.

The Worcester Warriors star was originally named in the touring party this summer only to be dropped over a ruling for England-based players.

As the tour opener against South Africa took place outside World Rugby’s designated international window Warriors, one of the 12 Premiership clubs that agreed to the governing body’s regulations over player availability, could not release Adams.

But with Steff Evans sustaining a knee injury in the 22-20 win over the Springboks last Saturday Gatland has now called upon Adams who is available to play in the two Tests against Argentina.

Gatland was furious he was not allowed to pick the players he wanted to take on South Africa, saying it was “a sad indictment on the politics of the game”.

“Everyone else is playing three games – England are playing four – and we finish our tour a week earlier,” Gatland said.

“I understand completely what Premier Rugby Limited are trying to do in the autumn when we organise a fourth international.

“They’re protecting their own competition. Players go back during the Six Nations down weeks and I understand that too.

“I just can’t understand why they would stop players from joining us a week or two early when the season is finished and they’re going to be back with their clubs early, anyway.

“It’s a sad indictment on the politics of the game.

“I understand and accept completely the views on the other stuff, but this one just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis who was denied a chance to face South Africa over the same ruling, has also been drafted in as cover for Samson Lee who suffered a blow to his lower back.

Adams and Francis will be hoping to feature for Wales when they take on Argentina on Saturday and Saturday, June 16.

Should Adams get on the field, it would be the 23-year-old’s third cap for his country after making his senior international debut at this year’s Six Nations.

The Swansea-born ace finished last season as joint top try-scorer in the Aviva Premiership with 13 tries in 21 games.

“Josh will be involved for the last two weeks,” Gatland said.

“We’ve got enough cover on the wing to take care of it and both our 10s can play 15 as well.

“George North can go back to the wing too. Hopefully it’s not too serious with Steff, but it’s one injury not three or four.”

On the prospect of facing Argentina, Gatland added: “It’s going to be tough, isn’t it?

“Argentina look like they’re playing with confidence.

“In Super Rugby, the Jaguares from Argentina have won for the first time in New Zealand and they’ve won their last seven games too.

“We’ve got off to a good start, but we’re going to have to improve.”