Wales lock Adam Beard will miss the start of the 2025 Six Nations because of a knee injury.
The Ospreys player has been ruled out for three months after picking up the injury in Wales’ 52-20 defeat by Australia.
Beard, 28, will not be fit for Wales’ opening two fixtures, against France in Paris and Italy in Rome, at the very least.
He will also miss the entire next block of fixtures for Ospreys, which includes the start of their European Challenge Cup campaign and the Christmas and New Year derbies.
“He’s out for at least three months. It’s a big kick in the teeth because he’s such an important part of what we do,” said Ospreys head coach Toby Booth.
“To not have him around for Europe is difficult, but it provides an opportunity for other boys to step up.
“James Fender is back which is good and Rhys Davies isn’t too far away so we just have to weather the storm for a little bit,” added Booth.
Beard was the most experienced player in Wales’ autumn squad, but was released back to the Ospreys following the injury which saw him limp off after just seven minutes against the Wallabies.
