Rob Howley hopes to return to playing action in November

The former Wales No 9 had a bone graft and a metal pin inserted in his wrist and needs to wear a protective brace for longer than first thought.

The 33-year-old, who is aiming for this summer's Lions tour to New Zealand, now hopes to play again in November.

"I want to be involved in the European Cup matches, so I need to get fit and I need to get my wrist fit," he said.

Howley, who when fit will contest the Wasps No 9 shirt with England scrum-half Matt Dawson, was speaking at the launch of a new initiative for youth rugby in Wales.

Welsh rugby is getting new competitions for the stars of the future, with tournaments for Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 regional sides.

The youth sides will follow the senior lines of the Cardiff Blues, Llanelli Scarlets, Neath-Swansea Ospreys and Newport-Gwent Dragons.

However, there will be one extra side competing at Under-16 level because of numbers, with Cardiff Blues being split into 'North' and 'South' teams.

"I am extremely excited at the prospect of on-going elite competitions in Wales this season," Howley added.

"I was fortunate enough to come through the development process in Wales during the 80s and 90s.

"However, there were no top-class competitions then for me to display my rugby expertise.

"The elite young players in Wales must be relishing the prospect of competing in such challenging environments."