Wales hooker Matthew Rees is to return home from South Africa after suffering a calf injury in the first Test.

Rees, 27, tore a calf muscle during the 43-17 loss to the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Saturday and has been ruled out of the second Test in Pretoria.

Cardiff Blues hooker Rhys Thomas, capped 26 times, has been called up as a replacement, a team official said.

Thomas will arrive in South Africa on Monday morning.

The Springboks have reported the all-clear in terms of injuries. "There are just bumps and bruises and everybody is expected to be able to play next Saturday," South African communications manager Chris Hewitt said.

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