Wales hit by Taulupe Faletau Six Nations setback

Wales will be without the services of talisman Taulupe Faletau for the first three rounds of the Guinness Six Nations after the veteran No.8 was ruled out by a calf problem.

Faletau will miss the games against England, France and Scotland with the injury sustained in Cardiff’s 33-22 defeat at Ospreys on January 1.

The 35-year-old, who missed the Quilter Nations Series whitewash in November because of a knee issue, is not expected to be back in action until late February.

“It’s not clear on his return but we’re definitely looking at the middle of the Six Nations,” Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl said.

Wales are already missing captain Jac Morgan and centre Max Llewellyn for a large chunk of the tournament.

Faletau has won 109 caps for Wales and six for the Lions, with the last of his Test match appearances coming on the 2025 summer tour to Japan.

Leicester-bound Aaron Wainwright started two of Wales’ November Tests at No.8 in the absence of Faletau and Morgan, who dislocated his shoulder playing openside in the first match against the Pumas.

Olly Cracknell was Player of the Match against Japan and Taine Plumtree filled in at the back of the pack against the All Blacks.

But to lose such an experienced operator like Faletau for at least three games is a blow to head coach Steve Tandy, who names his Six Nations squad on January 20.