2019 Guinness Six Nations champions Wales will be without Taulupe Faletau for their assault on the Rugby World Cup this autumn in Japan.
The No.8 will miss the tournament after sustaining an injury to his collarbone during Wales’ World Cup training camp.
It has been a tough run of injuries for the two-time British & Irish Lion, who broke his arm twice last season.
His last appearance for his country came back in the 2018 Championship, and he did not feature in their Grand Slam winning campaign earlier this year.
A Welsh Rugby Union statement said: “The injury was sustained in an innocuous training ground incident and will require surgery.
“A prognosis and return to play timeframe will be established after surgery.
“The Wales squad and management would like to wish Taulupe the very best with his recovery.”
