Wales captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out of Saturday’s Six Nations title decider against England because of a shoulder injury.
Jones, who has skippered Wales a record 32 times, went off early in the second half of the weekend’s victory over Scotland at Murrayfield and is set to be out of action for up to two months.
The news is a major blow for the Welsh, who are likely to be captained by Sam Warburton in Cardiff.
Jones has been in outstanding form for Wales who bounced back from losing their Six Nations opener by winning their next three games, all away from home, in France, Italy and Scotland.
He was captain in all three games after Warburton was ruled out for the Paris match through injury.
Unavailable
Assistant coach Robin McBryde said: “Ryan is not going to be available. He has broken a bone in his shoulder and he is now under the management of (his club) the Ospreys.
“It looks as though he will be out for six to eight weeks.”
Justin Tipuric is likely to be given a call-up to openside flanker, with Warburton wearing the No 6 shirt.