Biggar and North injuries worrying Wales

Wales intend to wait until the latest possible moment before determining whether Dan Biggar and George North are fit to face England in the Six Nations on Saturday.

The influential duo were each injured on Sunday as Wales began their campaign with a 33-7 win over Italy in Rome.

Biggar was replaced by Sam Davies after taking a blow to the ribs during the first half, while North completed the match in clear discomfort after suffering a thigh injury.

Defence coach Shaun Edwards was quoted by Wales Online: “We are giving Dan Biggar and George North as long as possible to make the [England] game.

“There’s really bad bruising on George’s leg and the flight home didn’t help. We are worried about both of them.”

Edwards also provided contrasting updates on the fitness of Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris, who missed Wales’ Six Nations opener with respective knee and hand injuries.

“Taulupe will be available for selection. We have to wait on Luke Charteris. His injury is more serious,” Edwards added.

Wales are due to name their team on Thursday. England have announced the provisional retention of 24 players for their trip to Cardiff, with Jack Clifford included amid doubts over the fitness of Tom Wood, who will return to training on Thursday.

“We haven’t made our final selection call but Tom will take a full part in training [Thursday],” England defence coach Paul Gustard told Sky Sports News.

“[His training programme] was modified yesterday just to protect his injury but he will be good to go tomorrow.”