Ross Moriarty has been released from Wales’ Autumn Nations Cup squad due to injury.
The Dragons back-row forward, who has won 45 caps, has not featured in the tournament so far because of an ankle problem.
He has now been ruled out of Wales’ final two games, including their appointment with England in Llanelli on Saturday.
SQUAD UPDATE: Ross Moriarty has been released from the Wales squad due to an ankle injury sustained in training. The injury means he will play no part in the final two #AutumnNationsCup fixtures. Brysia wella, Ross. pic.twitter.com/CygdNsYWHA — Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 24, 2020
Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said: “It is a blow with Ross.
“We were hoping he was going to be okay for the latter games, but sadly that’s not to be the case. He has been a big player for us over a long period of time.
“It is what it is and hopefully he will get himself right for the Six Nations when that comes around.”
Moriarty’s fellow back-row forward Josh Navidi has been recovering from concussion and not yet played in the Nations Cup, while flanker Justin Tipuric suffered a head knock during the victory over Georgia three days ago.
Jenkins added: “Tips is going through his protocols, as you normally would after a head injury.
“It was a pretty heavy knock on Saturday, but he seems pretty good, and we will see how he goes for the rest of the week.”
In addition to Wales’ first two Nations Cup fixtures, Navidi also missed the friendly against France and delayed Six Nations appointment with Scotland last month after he was hurt during a Cardiff Blues training game.
“If Navs is right, he’s a fantastic player,” Jenkins said. “We are pretty blessed in the back-row area, and Josh fits into that.
“For me, he is a world-class player, the type of guy with minimal rugby that can step up and play Test match football.
“He is another one we are keeping a close eye on, and we will have a look on Thursday.”
Navidi and number eight Taulupe Faletau (knee) are both back in full training, but centre Jonathan Davies appears an unlikely starter against England after suffering a knee injury during the 32-9 defeat to Ireland 11 days ago.
