By Matt Majendie

Howley says he may not be back before February

Former Wales captain Rob Howley has warned he could miss the entire season with his wrist injury.

A scan last week revealed the bone has failed to knit properly after Howley, 33, had a pin inserted.

And on Wednesday, Howley told BBC Sport: "The best prognosis after the CT scan last week is that I'll be out for three to four months.

"But the worst case scenario is a hell of a lot worse than that and would mean me missing the whole season."

Howley will see a specialist on Monday but, should his worst fears be realised, it could prove the end of the Wasps scrum-half's career.

"At the moment it's like I've taken four giant leaps back," said Howley.

"The way I'm feeling at the moment is that it doesn't look good but I can only hope for the best."

Howley underwent an operation on his troublesome wrist but looked set to return to action in the early part of the season to battle with the newly signed Matt Dawson for the number nine jersey.

"I was really looking forward to coming back to the heart of the Wasps camp," said Howley. "It's frustrating as a professional player to be from the outset looking in.

"I was looking forward to the competition and the banter with Matt but hopefully I'll get that opportunity eventually."