Uncapped second row Davies, who was not selected in the 22 for Saturday's opening Test against the Springboks, incurred the damage during training.

The 21-year-old Cardiff Blue has been on crutches and Wales' medical team this afternoon made the decision to send him home.

Charteris won the last of his seven caps as a replacement against the world champion Springboks last November.

The lock, 25, was contacted while on holiday in San Francisco and is expected to arrive in Cape Town on Friday morning in time for the team's transfer to Bloemfontein.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde said: “We feel very sorry for Bradley but there is never a right time to get injured.

“He has already proved to us that he is one for the future and I know he has benefited enormously from his time here with the squad.

“Bradley has had a chance to test himself in the environment we are creating and he is aware of the intensity and focus we are looking for.

“Luke has been involved with Wales in the past so we are confident he will slot in very quickly with the squad.

“This is a great chance for him to impress us and we are looking forward to seeing him arrive in South Africa.”

Davies sustained ankle ligament damage during Saturday's training session and has already left the squad's Cape Town training base.

It was hoped he would recover in time to take part in practice during the build-up to the second Test in Pretoria but Wales were forced to admit defeat today.

Wales team manager Alan Phillips insisted Davies will have learnt from his brief stint in South Africa but revealed Charteris was eager to take his chance.

Phillips said: “We tracked Luke down to San Francisco and he is absolutely delighted to be joining us.

“He will fly from the USA back into London so fortunately he will have a chance to collect his boots before heading out here.

“It is never nice to see anyone leave the squad through injury but Bradley and Luke will both benefit from the experience of being involved.”