Experienced forward Ryan Jones is an injury doubt for Wales' November Test opener against Argentina after being sent home with a shoulder problem.
The 31-year-old had been training in Poland when the WRU confirmed that an "irritable shoulder" injury had forced him to return to Wales for scans.
Wales have already lost prop Adam Jones and flanker Dan Lydiate - two of the key figures in last season's Six Nations Grand Slam - for the series of November Tests which also includes matches against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
Jones, who has been in fine form for Ospreys this season, had been the favourite to replace Lydiate in the Wales starting line-up when interim head coach Rob Howley announces his team for the Pumas clash next week.
"The decision to send Jones home at this time is based on a preference for the facilities available in Wales to accommodate the necessary investigations and give the player the most optimal management plan for his injury," read a WRU statement.
"Jones remains a full member of the squad and further details of his problem and any repercussions for selection, if at all, will become apparent once the proper investigations have been undertaken."
Comments
jontheref says...
melkdave,
Tips and Warbs have played together, Tips at 7, and Warbs was 8?
Faletau is fine, as makemehappy says.
Shingler is a good player, and I hope he is in the matchday 22.
Pity you didn't take up my wager of a few pints?
:-)
Even virtual will do!
Posted 10:01 05th November 2012
makemehappy says...
@Meldave - Faletau's form has been fine. He just plays for a poor team (that badly needs dispanding)
Posted 13:16 01st November 2012
melkdave says...
@Jontheref
I know what you mean lol,if Lydigate was fit ect it would be entirely different,and that backrow is only if Jones cant play.But the question remains can Warburton and Tipric play in the same team??Now myself im surprised Warburton is in the squad ,given his spate of injuries and lack of form atm,and with him being named captain you kind of expect him to be a starter aswell.I just feel that we need to see if Warburton and Tipric can play together,and time is running out for experitmentation,and given present injuries well it just looks a good time to see if they can imo.A.Shingler is a very good player and physical; and i feel he will handle playing 8 quite well if Jones cant .play.
Posted 09:57 01st November 2012
jontheref says...
melkdave
As much as I disagree with Howley's lack of precision in selection, I would be astonded if he had a brain fart and did as you suggested.
very few of the Welsh players have had a good preparation for this series, yet together they are stronger.
Pity I can't have a few pints wager with you on this one, I can taste the cold liquid slipping down!
:-)
Posted 19:54 31st October 2012
melkdave says...
@Makemehappy
Agree with you ,about A.Shingler starting,but i feel he will start at 8 myself ,as Faletau imo hasnt been in form this season,So my backrow is 6 Warburton 7Tipric 8 Shingler with Faletau on the bench.This i feel is a very mobile and dynamic backrow ,able to battle the pumas at the breakdown .Where they have shown they are strong atm in the RC.
Posted 16:32 31st October 2012
makemehappy says...
Must mean a start for Shingler, Faletau and Warburton/Tipuric then. Shame as Ryan has been playing his way into the Lions squad.
Posted 13:06 31st October 2012