 Gareth Delve is likely to need shoulder surgery |
Bath back-row Gareth Delve is likely to be ruled out of Wales' autumn Test series because of a shoulder injury. Delve, 24, was injured in Bath's loss at Northampton and initial scans have indicated he will need surgery - ruling him out for several months.
However, the injury is to his left shoulder and not the right one which has caused him problems in the past.
Although Delve could return in time for the RBS Six Nations, his absence weakens Wales' back-row options.
New Wales coach Gareth Jenkins took Delve on the summer tour to Argentina and the Bath man impressed.
Although Newport Gwent Dragons' Michael Owen is ahead of schedule in rehabilitation from his own shoulder surgery, Jenkins could be limited to Ospreys' Ryan Jones or Llanelli Scarlets' Alix Popham for the number eight berth.
Wales face Australia, a Pacific Islands XV, Canada and New Zealand during November.
Bath will also miss Delve's presence in the scrum, especially with skipper and lock Steve Borthwick a long-term absentee after undergoing a knee operation.
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