The wing suffered the injury in Wales training and underwent surgery last Friday with a return to action expected in four months after concussion stopped him from playing in the 2017 Six Nations last time he was called up. Ironically Josh Adams has been selected as a replacement for the two Argentina Tests after initially being ruled out due to PRL restrictions, which had handed Hewitt his opportunity.
However, Jackman says the speedster will be boosted by knowing he is still on the Wales radar despite the disappointment of missing out this summer and will return strongly for the Dragons following his rehab.
“We will give him really good medical care and, although it’s a long-term injury, if you are going to get injured then the end of the season is probably good timing and he won’t miss a huge amount of games," said Jackman.
“We’ve got to make sure we help him over the summer and support him in rugby and non-rugby terms, but he is mentally strong and I am sure he will see this as reinforcing the fact that if he gets fit and plays a batch of games then he is close to getting that cap. Being picked for the tour gives him the security that he is still on the radar."
Hewitt scored four tries in 21 games this season after bagging 5 in 12 in the first half of the 2016/17 season, but remained a real threat for opposition defences including a touchdown against Worcester Warriors that was shortlisted for a try of the season contender
“He beat more defenders than any of our players last season," continued Jackman "and while he may not have scored as many tries or had the big moments as he had before the concussion [in 2017], he was very dangerous.
“Speaking to opposition coaches, Ashton is one guy that they mention every week as being a dangerman for us.”
It is also expected that Ollie Griffiths and Tyler Morgan won't return from their injuries before the new season begins.
However, Jackman will have new signings Dafydd Howells and Jordan Williams, who have joined from Ospreys and Bath respectively, to call upon to boost his options for the wing berths at the start of the new campaign.
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