Wales’ hopes of defending their Six Nations title took another blow as it was revealed that star wing Josh Adams would miss the rest of the tournament through injury.

The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury while playing in the 27-23 loss against France last Saturday. The ankle will require surgery and could sideline him for the next 12 weeks, definitely ruling him out of the final two rounds of the Six Nations.

‘Josh Adams will play no further part in the 2020 Six Nations following an ankle injury sustained in the match against France,’ a statement from the Wales Rugby Union read.

‘He is due to have surgery this week and it is envisaged that he could return in 12 weeks for the latter stages of the PRO14.’

Wales have won just one of their three fixtures under new head coach Wayne Pivac this year. Their hopes of repeating their 2019 Grand Slam was ended by Ireland earlier this month, while the defeat by France has put their title defence at risk.

They next play England at Twickenham on Saturday week and round off their campaign against Scotland in Cardiff on 14 March.

Meanwhile, Ireland also received bad news on the injury front as experienced prop Cian Healy will miss the last two rounds of the tournament due to a hip injury.

Healy left the field in the first half of Ireland’s 24-12 defeat at Twickenham on Sunday.  The injury means that the 32-year-old will have to wait until July to win his 100th Test cap.

Photo: Huw Evans Picture Agency